jTimarTof congress. I 



^^o^yit^At -=/V«5t 






{UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.} 



)€K 



AN ORDEE 



OF 



FAMILY PRAYER: 



BY 



Rev. E. GREENWALD, D.D., 

PASTOR OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY, 
LANCASTER. PA. 



7 




r 

c LANCASTER, PA., 



PUBLISHED BY THE ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF 
THE HOLY TRINITY. 

1867. 



;5V 



a 



ss" 



.(^T 



Entered according to Act cf Congress, in the year 1867, Ijy 

REV. II. M. BICKEL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 
PenLFsylvania. 



j as. b. kodger.s, 
Electrottper and Printer, 

PinLADELPFTTA. 



PREFACE. 



The compiler of this Order of Family Prayer, has 
long believed that there would be a more general obser- 
vance of family prayer in the families of the Lutheran 
Churchy and that such observance would be much more 
interesting and profitable than that which now exists, if 
our Church members had access to a convenient, cheap, 
churchly, and well-ordered form of prayer, and were 
encouraged to use it. This want he has here attempted 
to supply. Instead of single, long prayers for each 
morning and evening for several weeks^ as are usually 
found in books of devotion, there is here a large variety 
of such parts as ought to enter into the devotions of a 
family. It is almost a full Church service. There are 
the Introit, the Ten Commandments, the Confession, the 
Kyrie, the Absolution, the Gloria, the Hymn, the Bible 
Lesson, the Prayer, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and 
the Benediction, essential parts of a complete service for 
a "Church in the house. '^ Yet they are so arranged, 
and such provision is made for the participation of the 
various members of the family in the service^ that even 
very young children will be interested, and the whole 
service will not weary as much as a service of less than 
one-fourth its length, differently conducted. If the 
heads of our families wid consent to try the use of this 

iii 



IV PREFACE. 

Order, tliey will find, in a sliort time, the profit of it, in 
the interest, instruction, and religious improvement 
of the children. Let each child, and all the other mem- 
bers of the family, be provided with a copy of this book, 
and have it in hand, and be encouraged to join, with 
audible voice, in saying the parts assigned to the family, 
and it will be found that, instead of the hour for family 
worship being dreaded as a dull and wearisome thing, it 
will be anticipated with liveliest pleasure. The compiler 
has prepared this Order especially for use in his own 
family, and in the families of his own congregation, in 
the hope that it will promote the edification of his own 
household, and contribute to the more general obser- 
vance of Family Prayer among the families of his charge. 
He deems it to be wise for the heads of families in our 
Church, to rear their children to habits of piety and 
prayer^ in the Church, and by means of the forms of the 
Church. If other pastors and congregations entertain 
the same views, and this little book can be made useful 
beyond the bounds of the compiler's own family and 
congregat'on, he will rejoice in the wider sphere of influ- 
ence which it will thereby obtain, and will ascribe what- 
ever of good may result from it^ to the blessing and 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whose name be honor 
and glory, now and forever. 

The compiler has translated the largest number of the 
Prayers in this volume from "Diefi'enbach's Haus- 
Agende," the most complete work of the kind in any 
language. He has, also^ in the main, followed his order 
of succession of the parts of the service. Many of the 
Collects he has taken from the '^Liturgy for the use of 
the Evangelical Lutheran Church,'^ published by au- 



PREFACE. V 

thority of t^.e Ministerium of Pennsylvania. Ooe form 
of Morning and Evening Prayer he has taken from 
the Book of Common Prayer. A few Collects are ori- 
ginal. 

The principal service of family devotion should, per- 
haps, be held in the morning. The same order may 
also be observed in the evening, or it may be abbre- 
viated, and only portions of the full service maybe used. 
There are two Introits, and two forms of Confession 
given ; one of which may be used in the morning, and 
the other in the evening. There are^ also. Prayers and 
Collects specially adapted to evening worship. 

It may, perhaps, be objected, that the full service is 
too long. But, on the contrary^ it is believed that, long 
as it appears, it will be profitable for all families to ap- 
propriate, daily, the full time that it may take up. The 
proverb is true, "Provender and Prayer hinder no man 
on his journey.'^ Christian families ought to spend 
more time together in the delightful daily service of 
God, than they do. But if the circumstances of the 
family^ at any time, should make it necessary to abbre- 
viate the service, it can be done to almost any extent. 
x\t one time the Commandments may be omitted. If 
the time is still more hurried, the Commandments, the 
Hymn, and the Creed may be omitted. Or, when only 
a few minutes are at command, the service may simply 
consist of the Introit, the Prayer and the Benediction. 
The length of the full service prescribed in this Order, 
presents, therefore, no difficulty, as such parts only may 
be used, as occasion will permit. It is very desirable, 
however, that the whole service should be used as often^ 
and 8S regularly as possible. 

1* 



VI PPxEFACE. . 

The compiler sends forth this little volume in the 
earnest hope that it may be instrumental in promoting a 
more general observance in our families, of the daily 
worship of God. He commends it to God, and invokes 
His blessing upon this humble attempt to advance His 

glory. 

E. G. 
Lancaster, Pa., 
October 3l6-^ 1867. 



REGISTER OF DAILY SCRIPTURE LESSONS, 



1st Sunday in Advent, Matt. 21 : 1-9. 
Monday, Genesis 3 : 1-24. 
Tu.^sday, Genesis 12: 1-3: 23: 1-5. 
Wednesday, Genesis 28 : 10-19. 
Thursday. Genesis 49 : 8-12. 
Friday, 2 Samuel 7 : 8-29. 
Saturday, Isaiah 7 : 10-14 ; 11 : 1-13. 

2d Sunday in Adyent. Luke 21; 25-36. 
Monday, Luke 21 : 5-19. 
Tuesday', Matthew 24: 29-51. 
Wednesday, Luke 17 : 22-37. 
Thursday,"2Thess. 1: 3-12. 
Friday, 1 Thess. 5 : 1-11. 
Saturday, Mark 13: 1-37. 

od Sunday in Advent, Matt. 11 : 2-15. 

Monday, beut. 18 : 15-19. 

Tuesday, Jeremiah 33 : 14-23. 

AVednesday, Psalm 110. 

Thursday, Psalm 72. 

Friday, Is. 40 : 1-11 : Mai. 4: 4-6. 

Saturday, Luke 1 : 5-25: 57-80. 



4th Sunday in Adv"t, John 1: 19-28. 
Monday, Luke 3: 1-18. 
Tuesday, Isaiah 59 : 1-21. 
Wednesday, Isaiah 55: 1-13. 
Thursday,\Tohn 3: 2-5-36. 
Friday, John 5 : 31-47. 
Saturday, Isaiah 52 : 1-10. 

Christmas, Luke 2 : 1-14. 
2d Christmas day, Luke 2: L5-2D. 
3d Cliristmas day, John 1 : 1-14. 
1st day after Christmas, Titus 3: 3-7. 
2d day after Christ., 1 John 4: 1-16. 
3d day after Christ., 1 John 3; 1-12. 

Sunday after Christ., Luke 2: 3.3-40. 
New Years day, Luke 2: 21; Ps. 90. 
1st day after iNew Year, Gal. 4: 1-7. 
2d day aftor New Year, Kom. 5 : 12-21. 
3d day after New Year, Phil. 2 : 5-11. 



2d day after Epip., Is. 2 : 1-5. 

3d day after Epip., Is. 42: 1-16. 

4t.i day after Epip., Is. 66 : 10-23. 

5th day af. Epi., Zee. 2 : 10-11; 8: 20-23. 

Sunday after Epip., Luke 2 : 41-52. 
Monday, JJatt. 3: 13-17. 
Tnc>day, John 1: 35-51. 
Wednesday. Matt. 4: 12-25. 
Thursday. John 4: 1-42. 
Friday. Matt. 5 : 1-12. 
Sciturday, John 12 : 35-50. 

2d Sunday after Epip., John 2: 1-11. 
Monday, Luke 5 : 27-39. 
luesdav, Luke 19: 1-10. 
Wednesday, Luke 10 : 38-42. 
Thursday, Col. 3 : 16; 4:1. 
Friday, Luke 9: 51-58. 
Saturday, Matt. II : 16-24. 



3d Sunday after Epip., Matt. 8 : 1-13. 
Monday. Mark 1 : 21-39. 
Tuesday, Matt. 9 : 27-38. 
AVeduesdav, John 5: 1-14. 
Thursday.Vohn9: 1-2-3. 
Fridav^, John 9: 24-41. 
Saturday, Isaiah 49 : 1-16. 

4th Sunday after Epip. Matt. 8 : 23-37 
Monday, Matt. 14: 22-3o. 
Tuesday, Exodus 14 : 1-31. 
Wednesday, Josliua 3 : 1-17. 
Thursday. Psalm 2. 
Friday, Isaiah 43 : 1-28. 
Saturday, Psalm 93. 

5th Sund. after Epip., Matt. 13 : 21:-30. 
Monday. Jonah 3d and 4th chapters. 
Tuesday, Genesis 18 : 20-.J3. 
Wednesday, John S : 1-11. 
Thursday, Luke 13 : 1-9. 
Friday, 5latt 2L: 33-46. 
Saturday, Matt. 23: 13-33. 



Sund. after New Year. Matt. 2: 13-23. 0th Sunday after Epip., Matt. 17 : 1-9. 

Epiphany, Jan. 6, Matt. 2: 1-12. Monday, Matt. 26: 63-66. 

iSi day after Epip.. Is. 60 : 1-6 : or Is. 14. Tu(-s.. 5latt 16 : 13-17 : Rom. 1 : 1-7. 

Til 



Vlll 



SCIIIPTURE LESSONS. 



Wednesdav, 1 John 5 : 9-20. 
Tlmrsday.'Ool. 2: 1-10. 
Friday, John 8: 12-19. 
Saturday, 2 Peter 1 : 12-21. 

Septuai?esima, or 3d Sunday 
before Lent, Matt. lO : 1 
Monday, Exodus 3: 1-17. 
Tuesday, Jeietniah 1 : 17-19. 
Wednesday, Luke 9: 1-6; 10: 
Thursday, 2 Tim.l: C-IL 
Friday, 1 Cor. 3 : 8-15 
Saturday, 1 Cor. 12 : 4-11. 



Friday, John 18 : 12-24. 
Saturday, Matthew 26: 57- 



-68. 



5th Sunday in Lent, John 8 : 46-59. 

Monday, JoIim 5: lr.-24. 

Tuesday, John 7: 14-30. 
-16. "Wednesday, John 10: 17; 31: 39. 

Thursday, .! oh n 14: 1-14. 

Frid! y. Mate. 26 : 69-75 ; 28 : 1-10. 
1-16. Saturday, Luke 23 : 1-12. 



6th Sunday in Lent, Matt. 21 : 
Monday, Matt. 27 : 15-26. 
Tuesday, John 19 : 1-16. 

Sexagesima, or 2d Sunday before Lent,\Vednfsdav, John 17 : 1-26. 

Luke 8 : 4-15. Thursday,! Cor. 11 : 23-32. 

Mond., 2 Tim. 3 : 14-17 ; 2 Pet. 1 : 19-21.Good Friday, Matt. 27 : 31-54. 

Tue^., Is. 55 : 10-11 ; Heb. 4 : 12-13. Saturday, Matt. 27 : 57-66. 



1-9. 



Wednesday, Matt. 7 : 24-27. 
Thursday, Matt. 23: 34-39. 
Friday, Acts 17: 1-11. 
Saturday, Mark 4 : 26-32. 

Quinquagesima, or Sunday before 
Lent. Luke 18 : 31-43. 
Monday, Isaiali 53. 
Tuesday. Psa'iu 22. 
Ash-Wednesday, Matt. 26: 1-13. 
Thursday, Leviticus 16: 1-22. 
Friday, Luke 22: 1-6. 
Saturday, lieb. 9: 1-28. 

1st Sunday in Lent, Matt. 4 : 1-11. 
Monday, Heb 2: 5-18. 
Tuesday. Heb. 4 : 14 ; 5 : 10. 
Wednesday, Heb. 7 : 1-10. 
Thuisday,'Heb. 7 : 11-28. 
Friday, John 13 : 1-20. 
Saturday, Jchn 13: 21-30. 

2d Sunday in Lent, Matt. 15 : 21-28. 
Monday, Col. 1: 12-23. 
Tuesday, Eph 2 : 1-18. 
Wednesday, 1 Tim. 2: 1-7. 
Thurs(iay,Eph. 6: 10-17. 
Friday, Matt. 26 : 17-29. 
Saturday, Mark 14 : 26-31. 

3d Sunday in Lent. Luke 11 : 14-28. 
Monday, Luke 4: 31-41. 
Tuesday, Luke 8 : 26-39. 
Wednesday, Luke 10: 17-22. 
Thursday, \!att. 17: 14-23. 
Friday, .Matt. 26: 36-16. 
Saturday, Matt. 26 : 47-56. 



4th Sunday in Lent John 6 
Monday, John 6: 23-36. 
Tuesday, John 6: 37-50. 
Wednesday, John 6 : 51-58. 
Thursday, John 6 : 59-71. 



1-15. 



Easter Sunday, Mark 16: 1-8. 
Monday, Luke 21: 13-35. 
Tuesday, Luke 24 : 36-47, 
Wednesday, John 20: 11-18. 
Thursday, Psahn 16. 
Friday, Acts 2: 22-32. 
Saturday, 1 Cor. 15 : 1-11. 

1st Sund. after Easter, John 20: 19-31. 
Monday, Koni.14: 7-11. 
Tuesday, Isaiah 45 : 18-25. 
AVedne^dav, Rom. 5 : 1-11. 
Thursday, 2 Cor. 5: 14-21. 
Friday, Job 19 : 14-27. 
Saturday, 1 Cor. 15 : 12-28. 

2d Sund. af.er Easter, John 10 : 11-10. 
Monday, Ezekiel 37 : 21-28. 
Tuesday, Ezekiel 31: 1-16. 
Wednesday, Psalm 96. 
Thursday," Acts 20: 28-38. 
Friday, Eom. 11: 13-32. 
Saturday, Rev. 21 : 1-8. 

3d Sund. after Easter, John 16: 16-23. 
Monday, Heb. 12: 1-11. 
Tuesday, 2 Cor. 6 : 1-10. 
Wednesday, 1 Peter 1: 3-9. 
Thursday, Rom. 8 : 14-25. 
Friday, Isaiah 35 : 1-10. 
Saturday, Rom. 8 : 26-39. 

4th Sund. after Easter, John 16 : 5-L5. 
Monlav, Tol. 1 : 12-20. 
Tuesday, Heb. 1 : 1-14. 
Wednesday, John 14 : 15-20. 
Thursday, Ezekiel 36: 22-27. 
Friday, Rom. 8: 1-11. 
Saturday, GaL 5 : 16-25. 

6th Sund. after Easter, John 16: 23-30. 
Monday, Luke 11 : 1-13. 



SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 



IX 



Tuesday. John 15 : 7-10. 
Wednesdav. John 17 : 1-26. 
Ascension' Dav, Maik 16 : 14-20. 
Fridav, 2 C r.'l3: 1-U. 
Saturdcty, Joel 3 : 1-5. 

Sun. aft. Ascen. day, John 15 : 26; 16 
Mondav, John U: 21-27. 
Tuesday, Luk^ 12 : 1-12. 
Wednesdav. 1 Cor. 2 : 1-16. 
Thursdav/Eph. 1 : 13-23. 
Eriday, Rom. 8 : 12-17. 
Saturdaj', Acts 1 : 1-S. 

Whitsunday, Acts 2: 1-13. 
Whitraonday, Acts 10: 42-48. 
Tuesday, Acts 8: 14-17. 
Wednesday, Acts 2 : 14-47. 
Thursday, Acts 4: 1-3 L. 
Friday, xicts 4: 32; 5: 16. 
Saturda}', Acts 5 : 17-42. 

Trinity Sunday. John 3: 1-16. 
Monday, Matt." 28 : 16-20. 
Tuesday, 1 John 5 : 4-13. 
Wednesday, Titus 3 : 3-7. 
Thursday, Mark 10 : 13-16. 
Friday, Rom. 6 : 3-13. 
Saturday, Col. 3: 1-11. 

1st Sund. aft r Trin.. Luke 16: 19-31. 
Monday, 2 Thess. 2 : 13-17. 
Tuesday, Deut. 11 : 13-28. 
Wednesday, Ezekiel 18 : 21-32. 
Thursda3% Mark 10 : 17-27. 
Friday, 1 John 2 : 12-17. 
Saturday, Rev. 14 : 6-13. 

2d Sund. after Trin., Luke 14: 16-24. 
Monday, Micali 4 : 1-7. 
Tuesday, Jeremiah 7 : 21-2^. 
Wednesday, Acts 13 : 38-52. 
Thursdiv/Luke 13 : 22-30. 
Friday, 1 Cor. 1 : 18-31. 
Satur iay, Acts 8 : 26-39. 

3d Sund. after Trin., Luke 15 : 1-10. 
Monday, Mark 2 : 14-17. 
Tuesday, Matt. 11: 25-30. 
AV ednesday, Luke 15 : 11-32. 
Thursday, Nehemiah 9 : 6-35. 
Fiiday, Hosea 14: 2-20. 
Saturday, Deut. 4: 23-31. 

4th Sund. after Trin., Luk^ 6: 36-42. 
Monday, P.^alm 103. 
Tuesday, James 1 : 16-37. 
Wednesda}'. Kom. 14: 1-10. 
Thursday, Kom. 12: 9-21. 
Friday. 2 Cor. 9 : 1-15. 
Saturday, Eph. 4 : 22-32. 



5th Sund. after Trin. Luke 5: 1-11. 
Monday, Matt. 10 : 1-42. 
Tuesday, John 21 : 15-19. 
Wednesday, Eph. 4 : 10-16. 
Thursd .y, Ezekiel 33 : 1-11. 
Fri., Tilus 1 : 5 11 ; 1 The.ss. 5 : 12-13. 
4.Sat., 2 Tim. 4 : 1-5; Heb. 13 : 17. 

6th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 5 : 20-26. 
Monday, Matt. 5: 13-19. 
Tuesday, Matt. 5 : 27-37. 
Wednesday, Matt. 6: 1-8. 
Thursday, Matt. 12: 1-15. 
Friday, Matt. 5 : 38-48. 
Saturday, Rom. 7 : 12-25. 

7th Sund. after Trin., Mark 8 : 1-9 
Monday, James 4 : 1-10. 
Tuesday, Gal. 3 : 1-14. 
Wednesday, John 7: 37-49. 
Thursday, John 6; 32-47. 
Friday, John 6: 48-58. 
Saturday, John 16: 23-33. 

8th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 7 : 15-23. 
Monday, 1 John 4 : 1-6. 
Tuesday, Luke 6: 43-49. 
Wednesdav, James 2: 14-24. 
Thursday,''Heb. 13 : 1-21. 
Friday, 1 Cor. 13 : 1-13. 
Saturday, John 15 : 1-10. 

9th Sund. after Trin., Luke 16: 1-13. 
Monday, Matt. 6 : 19-23. 
Tuesday, Luke 12 : 13-21. 
Wednesday, 1 Tim. 6: 6-19. 
Thursday, Matt. 16: 24-28. 
Friday, MatM3: 44-58. 
Saturday, Psalm 39. 

10th Sund. after Trin., Luke 19: 41-48. 
Monday, Jeremiah 9 : 1-26. 
Tuesday, Jeremiah 23 : 9-32. 
Wednesday, Lament, of Jer 1: 1-22. 
Thursday, Rev. 2: 1-7. 
Friday, Daniel 9 : 3-19. 
Saturday, Isaiah 54; 1-17. 

nth Sund. after Trin., Luke 18: 9-1 i. 

Monday, Mitt. 3: 1-12. 

Tuesday, Matt. 9 : 9-13. 

Wednesdav, 2: Sam. 24 : 10-25. 

Thursday, Ezra 9 : 6-15. 

Friday. Lanunt. of Jer. 3 : 22-42. 

Saturday, Jeremiah 18 ; 7-17. 

12th Sund. offer Trin., Mark 7 : 31-37. 
Mmday, Luke 5 : 12-26. 
Tuesday, Phil.l: 1-11. 
Wednesdav. Acts 16 : 11-15. 
Thursdav.Acts 9; 1-22. 



SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 



Friday, Rom. 10 : 13-^. Tuesilay, Phil. 2 . 12-18. 

Saturday, Heb. 3: 7-19. Wednesday, 1 Cor. 10 : 1-13. 

Thursdiiv, 2 Peter 1 : 1-11. 
13tb Sund. after Trin., Luke 10 : 23-37. Friday, Revelation 3 : 14-22. 
Monday, Acts 16: 16-34. Saturday, 1 Peter 2 : 1-10. 

Tuesday, Gal. 3: lr-22. 

Wednesday, Rom. 3 : 9-22. 21st Sund. after Trin., John 4 : 47-54. 

Thursday," Horn. 3: 23-31. IMondny, Genesis 32: 24-31. 

Friday, Gal. 2 : 16-21. Tuesday, Matt. 26 : 36-44. 

Saturday, Rom. 6 : 12-23. Wednesday, Exodus 17 : 8-16. 

Thursday, Mark 7 : 24-30. 
14th Sund. after Trin., Luke 17: ll-19.Friday, James 5: 13-18. 
Monday, Psalm 32. Saturday. Luke 18 : 1-8. 

Tuesday, Luke 1 : 46-55. 

W^ednesday, Eph . 5 : 8-20. 22d Sund. after Trin., Matt. 18 : 23-35. 

Thursday, Phil. 4: 4-7. Monday, Matt. 12: 33-37. 

F.iday, Isaiah 12: 1-6. Tu sday, 1 Peter 4 : 1-11. 

Sacurc-laj-, Psalm 33. Wednesday, 1 Peter 1: 13-25. 

Thu'sday. Matt. 7 : 1-5. 
15th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 6: 24-34.; riday, Eph. 4: 23 ; 5 : 2. 
Monday. Rom. 12 : 1-16. Saturday, Col. 3 : 12-17. 

Tue dav, 1 Peter 5: 6-11. 

Wednesday, Psalm 37. 23d Sund. afte- Trin.. Matt. 22: 15-22. 

Thursday, 1 Kings 17 : 1-16. Monday, Kom. 13 : 1-7. 

Friday, Acts 12: i-lL Tuesday, Pent. 17 : S-20. 

Saturday, Phil. 3 : 7-21. Wednesday, 1 Peter 5 : 1-5. 

Thursday, Eph. 5: 22-33. 
16th Sund. after Trin., Luke 7 : ll-17.Friday, Eph. 6 : 1-9. 
Monday, John 11 : 1-27. Saturday, 1 Peter 2 : 11-20. 

Tnesiav, John 11 : 28-45. 

Wednesday. 2 Tim. 2 : 1-15. 24th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 9 : 18-26. 

Thursday, 2 Cor. 1 : 1-11. Monday, 2 Cor. 5 : 1-10. 

Friday, 2 Cor. 4 : 8-18. Tuesday, 1 Thess.4 : 13-18. 

Saturday. Phil. 1 : 21-30. Wednesday, 1 Cor. 15 : 35-49. 

Thursday, 1 Cor. 15 : 50-58. 
17th Sund. after Trin., Luke 14: 1-lLFriday. Luke 20 : 27-40'. 
Monday, Jeremiah 17 : 19-27. Saturday, Ezekiel 37 : 1-14. 

Tuesday, Luke 4 : 14-30. 

Wednesday, Luke 13 : 10-17. 25th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 24 : 15-28. 

T.mrsday, Heb. 4: 1-11. Monday, Matt. 24: 1-14. 

Friday, Matt. 18 : 1-6. Tuesday, 1 John 2 : 18-28. 

Saturday, Gal. 5 : 25 ; 6: 5. Wednesday, 2 Tim. 3 : 1-13. 

Thursday, 2 Thess. 2 : 1-12. 
18th Sund. after Trin.. Matt.22 : 34-46. Friday, Luke 12 : 35-46. 
Monday, Pent. 6 : 1-15. Saturday, Rev. 3 : 7-13. 

Tuesday, 1 John 4 : lt-21. 

Wedne.-^day, Rom. 13 : 8-14. 26th Sund after Trin., Matt. 25 : 31-46. 

Thursday.^Luke 17 : 7-10. Monday, Matt. 25 : 14-30. 

Friday. Kom 10: 1-13. Tuesday, Matt. 13 : 47-50. 

Saturday, Gal. 5 : 1-15. Wednesday, Heb. 10 : 19-31. 

Thursday, 2 Peter 2 : 1-11. 
19th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 9 : 1-8. Friday, John 5 : 24-30. 
Monday, Luke 7: 36-50. Saturday, 2 Peter 3: 3-14. 

'Juesday, lJo])n 1 : 5-10. 

Wednesday, 1 Jolni 2 : 1-12. 27th Sund. after Trin., Matt. 25 : 1-13. 

Thursday, .lohn 13: 1-15. Monday, Revelatio . 14. 

Friday, 1 Peter 2 : 21-25. Tu.-sday, Revelation 18. 

S iturday, Matt. 18 : 12-18. Wednesday, Revelation 19. 

Thursday, Levelatioii 20. 
20th Sund alter Trin., Matt. 22 : 1-14. Friday, Revelation 21. 
Monday, Mate. 7 : 13-29. Saturday, Revelation 22. 



-A.Isr ORDER 



OF 



FAMILY PRAYER 



^ The family, neatly attired, shall assemble at a 
suitable hour in the parlor, or other convenient 
room. When all are present, and quietly seated, 
the father, or whoever shall officiate in his stead, 
shall begin the service by repeating the first sen- 
tence, and the family responding in unison, their 
proper parts, of the following : 

I. Introit. 

Father, Give ear to my words^ Lord^ 
consider my meditation. 

Family. Hearken unto the voice of my 
cry, my King and my God: for unto Thee 
will I pray. 

Father, My voice shalt Thou hear in the 
morning, Lord. 

Family. In the morning will I direct my 

prayer unto Thee, and will look up. 

11 



12 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Father. For Thou art not a God that hath 
pleasure in wickedness. 

Family, Neither shall evil dwell with 
Thee. 

Father, Thou, Lord, art a shield for me : 
my glory, and the lifter up of my head. 

Favuly. I cried unto God with my voice, 
and He heard me out of His holy hilL 

Father, I laid me down and slept; I 
awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 

Family, Salvation belongeth unto the 
Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. 

T[ Or this: 

Father, come, let us sing unto the Lord. 

Family, Let us make a joyful noise to the 
Rock of our salvation. 

Father, Let us come before His presence 
with thanksgiving. 

Family, And make a joyful noise unto 
Him with Psalms. 

Father, For the Lord is a great God. 

Family, And a great King above all gods. 

Father, In His hands are the deep places 
of the earth. 

Family, The strength of the hills is His 
abo. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 13 

Father. The sea is His^ and He made it. 

FamiJij. His hands formed the dry Land. 

Father, come^ let us worship and bow 
down. 

Family, Let us kneel before the Lord our 
Maker. 

Father, For He is our God. 

Family. And we are the people of His 
pasture, and the sheep of His hand. 

^ Then all shall say : 

II. The Ten Commandments. 

Father. God spake all these words, saying: 
Father and Family. 1. I am the Lord thy 
God. Thou shalt have no other gods before 
Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee anv 
graven image, or any likeness of any thing 
that is in heaven above, or that is in the 
earth beneath, or that is in the water under 
the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thy- 
self to them, nor serve them; for I, ths Lord 
thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the ini- 
quity of the fathers upon the children unto 
the third and fourth generation of them that 
hate me, and shewing mercy unto thousands 

2 



14 FAMILY PRAYER. 

of them that love me^ and keep my com- 
mandments. 

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain^ for the Lord will not 
hold him guiltless that taketh His name in 
vain. 

3. Eemember the Sabbath day to keep it 
holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all 
thy work^ but the seventh day is the Sab- 
bath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt 
not do any work^ thou, nor thy son, nor thy 
daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid- 
servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that 
is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord 
made heaven and earth, the sea and all that 
in them is, and rested the seventh day : 
wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, 
and hallowed it. 

4. Honor thy father and thy mother, that 
thy days may be long upon the land which 
the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

5. Thou shalt not kill. 

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 15 

7. Thou shalt not steal. 

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness ascainst 
thv neislibor. 

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's 
house. 

10. Thou shalt not covet thv neighbor's 
wife^ nor his man-servant, nor his maid-ser- 
vant/ nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing 
that is thy neighbor's. 

Father,' Let us hear also what our Lord 
Jesus Christ saith : 

Father and Family, Thou shalt love the 
Lord thy God witli all thy heart, and with 
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This 
is the first and great commandment. And 
the second is like unto it : Thou shalt love 
thy neighbor as thyself. On these two com- 
mandments hang all the law and the pro- 
phets. 

Father, Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Family, And write all these Thy law^s in 
our hearts. 



16 FAMILY PRAYER. 

^ Then shall the Father say, Let us pray: and all 
reverently kneeling, ^ shall say after the Father, 
the following : 

III. Confession. 

almighty and everlasting God^ the Fa- 
ther of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator 
and Judge of all men, we humbly acknow- 
ledge and confess to Thee, that we, having 
been conceived and born in sin, and there- 
fore being by nature greatly ignorant of Thy 
word, and indisposed toward Thy will, do 
continually transgress Thy holy command- 
ments, in thought, word, and deed, and have 
thereby provoked Thy just wrath and dis- 
pleasure against us. For these things we 
mourn with hearty sorrow and repentance; 
and we earnestly seek and implore Thy grace. 
Have mercy upon us, we beseech Thee, most 
gracious and merciful God and Father, for 
the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. For- 
give us all our sins, and evermore grant us 
Thy Holy Spirit, that He may awaken and 
preserve in us the right knowledge of Thv 



'-" Let the act of kneeling be performed softl}', and without nois*^, 
and consist simply of a forward bending of the head and body, or a 
gentle sinking down upon the knees by the side of the seat. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 17 

will, sincere repentance for sin, true faith in 
Thv Son, and the desire of ne^Y obedience, so 
that we may henceforth serve and jolease Thee 
in riohteousness and true holiness, and in the 
end, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. 

T Or this: 

almialitv God, and most merciful Father, 
we poor miserable sinners confess to Thee 
with hearty sorrow and repentance, all our 
sins and transgressions by Avliich we have 
offended Thee, and deserved Thy temporal 
and everlasting punishments; and we hum- 
bly beseech Thee to be gracious unto us poor 
sinners, on account of Thy infinite mercy, 
and for the sake of the holy, innocent, and 
bitter sufferino^s and death of Thv dear Son, 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

\ Whilst all are still kneeling they shall say : 

IV. The Kyrie. 

Father. Lord God, the Father in 
heaven. 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

9* 



18 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Father. God the Son, Rsdesmer of the 
worlds 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father, God the Holy Ghost^ 

Family, Have mercy upon us^ and grant 
us Thy peace. 

T[ And, still kneeling, they shall call to mind the 
divine promise of 

F. The Absolution. 

Father. Lord Jesus Christ, who didst 
shed Thy blood for the remission of sins, and 
hast declared by Thy Holy Apostle that if we 
confess our sins Thou art faithful and just to 
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
unrighteousness, we thank Thee for Thy great 
mercy; and in humble faith, and to our soul's 
most precious comfort and peace, we trust in 
Thy gracious promise that our sins and ini- 
quities Thou wilt remember no more. 

Family. Blessed are they whose iniquities 
are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will 
not impute sin. 

T[ Then, still kneelino;, thev shall say: 



FAMILY PRAYEK. 19 

XT. The Gloria. 

Father. Glory be to the Father, and to the 
Son, and to the Holv Ghost. 

Family. As it was in the beginning, is 
noAY, and ever shall be, world withont end. 

Father and FuniJy. Amen. 

^ Then, all rising, and becoming again quietly 
seated, they shall join in singing, 

VII. The Hymn. 

(See Collection of Hymns at the end of this book.) 

^ The hymn being ended, and each member of 
the family having a copy of the Word of God, they 
shall read — the Father saying one verse, and the 
Family saying in unison, the next, and so on alter- 
nately, until finished, 

VIII. The Bible Lesson. 

(See Register of daily Scripture readings at the beginning 
of this book. If the father prefers he may substitute any 
other suitable lesson for the one assigned to the day.) 

T[ The lesson being ended, all shall say in unison, 

IX. The Creed. 

Father and Family. I beUeve in God the 
Father Almiohtv, Maker of heaven and earth. 



20 FAMILY PRAYER. 

And in Jesus Christy His only Son, our 
Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; 
born of the Virgin Mslyj; suffered under 
Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead, and 
buried. He descended into hell. The third 
day he rose again from the dead. He as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth on the right 
hand of God, the Father Almighty; from 
thence He shall come to judge the quick and 
the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Ca- 
tholic Church, the Communion of Saints; 
the Forgiveness of sins ; the Resurrection of 
the body; and the life everlasting. — Ameii. 

X. TJie Prayer. 

^ The Creed being ended, the Father shall say : 
Let us pray: and all devoutly kneeling, one of the 
Prayers of this collection shall be said. (See Pray- 
ers beginning at page 23 in this book). If the 
Prayer selected is thought to be too short, several 
short ones may be used. The Father shall be care- 
ful, however, not to use at any one time, so many 
as to_weary the family. Let the Prayer be rather 
too short, than too long. The Father should select 
the Prayer before the service begins ; and if he uses 
one of those arranged for Responses by the Family, 



FAMILY PRAYER. 21 

he should name to them beforehand, the one to be 
said; so that they may have the book open at the 
place, and avoid confusion. When the Litany, ov 
one of the other forms arranged for Responses is 
used, the Father shall utter the parts assigned to 
him, and the Family shall respond by saying the 
parts designated for them. When several of the 
other short Prayers are used, the Father shall utter 
the Prayer, and the Family shall say the Amen. 
Only at the close of the Prayer, when he desires 
that the Family shall rise, shall the Father say the 
Amen with the Family. When the Lord's Prayer 
and the Benediction succeed the Prayer, the Fa- 
ther shall not say the Amen, until at the end of 
the Benediction. 

^ Then all shall say together, still kneeling: 

JLl. The Ziord^s Frayer. 

Fatlier and Family. — Our Father, who art 
in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy 
Kingdom come; Thy will be clone on earth 
as it is in heaven ; Give us this day our daily 
bread ; And forgive us our trespasses as we 
forgive those who trespass against us ; And 
lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us 
from evil ; For Thine is the Kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever and ever. 
Amen. 



22 FAMILY PRAYER. 

^ The Father shall then, in conclusion of the 
service, and whilst all are still kneeling, pronounce, 

XJJ. The Benediction. 

FatJier. The grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christj and the love of God, and th3 commu- 
nion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. 

Father and Family. — x\men. 

Or this: 

Father, The Lord bless thee, and keep 
thee. The Lord make His face to shine 
upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. 

The Lord lift up His countenance upon 
thee, and give thee peace. 

Father and Faynily, — Amen. 



PRAYERS. 



Luther s Morning Prayer. 

We thank Thee^ our heavenly Father^ 
through -Jesus Christy Thy well beloved Son^ 
that Thou hast preserved us during the past 
night, from all harm and danger. We pray 
Thee, defend us this day also, from sin and 
all evil, and grant that all our ways may 
be well pleasing in Thy sight. For into Thy 
hands we commend our bodies and souls^ and 
all things. Give Thy holy angels charge con- 
cerning us, that the adversary may have no 
power over us. Amen, 

, Morning Prayer, 

Dear Father in heaven, who hast gra- 
ciously preserved us during the past night, 
we most heartily thank Thee for this great 
mercy, and we pray Thee, grant that during 
this day our bodies and souls, property and 

23 



24 FAMILY PRAYER. 

character, and every thing that belongs to 
us, may also be under Thy guardian care 
and protection. Bless, we beseech Thee, the 
work of our hands in our several callings and 
stations in life, and give us Thy good Spirit 
to instruct, and comfort, and strengthen us, 
under whatever adversities Thou mayest see 
fit to send us. Keep us in true faith, and in 
sincere love toward Thee, and toward our 
neighbor, and help us at all times to lead 
Christian lives in obedience to Thv will. 
And may Thy peace, which passeth all un- 
derstanding, keep our hearts and minds, 
through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen, 

The Litany, 

Father. Lord have mercy upon us. 
Family, Christ have mercy upon us. 
Father, Lord have mercy upon us. 
Family, Christ hear us. 
Father, God, the Father in Heaven, 
Family, Have mercy upon us. 
Father, God, the Son, Redeemer of the 
world. 

Family, Have mercy upon us. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 25 

FatJier. God, the Holy Ghost, 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father, Be gracious unto us. 

Family, Spare us, good Lord. 

Father. Be gracious unto us. 

Family. Help us, good Lord. 

FatJier. From all sin, from all error, from 
all evil, 

Family. Good Lord, deliver us. 

FatJier. From the crafts and assaults of 
the devil, from sudden death, from pesti- 
lence and famine, from war and bloodshed, 
from sedition and rebellion, from storms and 
tempests, and from everlasting death, 

Family. Good Lord, deliver us. 

Father. By the mystery of Thy holy in- 
carnation; by Thy holy nativity; by Thy 
baptism, fasting, and temptation ; by Thine 
agony and bloody svreat; by Thy cross and 
passion ; by Thy death and burial ; by Thy 
glorious resurrection and ascension, and by 
the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, 

Family. Good Lord, deliver us. 

Father. In all time of our tribulation; in 
all time of our prosperity; in the hour of 
death, and in the day of judgment. 



26 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Family. Good Lord^ deliver us. 

Father, We^ poor sinners^ do beseech Thee^ 

Family. To hear us^ Lord God. 

Father. And that it may please Thee to 
rule and govern Thy holy church universal 
in the right way; to preserve all pastors^ 
ministers, and servants of the same^ in the 
true knowledge and understanding of Thy 
word^ that both by their preaching and living 
they may set it forth accordingly; to bring 
to an end all schisms and causes of offence ; 
to restore such as have erred and are de- 
ceived; and to beat down Satan under our 
feet; 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Father. That it may please Thee to send 
forth faithful laborers into Thy harvest; to 
accompany Thy word with Thy Spirit and 
grace; to strengthen such as do stand; to 
raise up them that fall; and to help and 
comfort the weak-hearted^ and the distressed; 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Father. That it may please Thee to give to 
all nations peace and concord; to endue our 



FAMILY PRAYER. 2i 

rulers with grace^ wisdom^ and understand- 
ing to execute justice and to maintain the 
truth; to preserve our country from discord 
and contention ; to £>ive us continual victory 
over our enemies; and to help all our peo- 
ple to love and fear Thee^ and diligently to 
live after Thy commandments; 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us^ 
o:ood Lord. 

Father, That it may please Thee to suc- 
cor, help^ and comfort all that are in dan- 
ger^ necessity, and tribulation; to preserve 
all that travel by land or by water; all 
women in the perils of child-birth, all sick 
persons and young children, and to show 
Thy pity on all prisoners and captives ; 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us, 
o:ood Lord. 

FatJier, That it may please Thee to de- 
fend and provide for all fatherless children 
and widows, and all that are desolate and 
oppressed, and to have mercy upon all men ; 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Fatlier, That it may please Thee to for- 



28 FAMILY PRAYER. 

give our enemies^ persecutors and slanderers^ 
and to turn their hearts; 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us^ 
good Lord. 

Father. That it may please Thee to give 
and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of 
the earthy and graciously to hear our prayers; 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us^ 
good Lord. 

Father, Lord Jesus Christy Son of God^ 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us. 

Father, Lamb of God^ who takest away 
the sins of the world , 

Family, Have mercy upon us. 

Father. Lamb of God^ who. takest away 
the sins of the world^ 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father. Lamb of God^ who takest away 
the sins of the world^ 

Family. Grant us Thy peace. 

Father. Christy hear us. Lord^ have 
mercy upon us. 

Family. Christy have mercy upon as. 

Father. Lord^ have mercy upon us. 

Family. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 29 

Prayer for the Faraily, 

Father, Lord, Thou art our dwelling- 
place in all generations. Before the moun- 
tains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst 
formed the earth and the world, art Thou 
God, 

Family, From everlasting to everlasting. 

Father, I lift up mine eyes to the hills. 

Family. From whence cometh my help. 

Father, My help cometh from the Lord, 

Family, Which made heaven and earth. 

Father, Yea, Thou Holy and Almighty 
God, from Thee cometh all help, and grace, 
and blessing, therefore we fly to Thee, and 
pray Thee grant us Thy help, and graciously 
take our family into Thy care and protection. 

Family, Now, henceforth, and forever. 

Father, From the crafts of the devil, from 
false doctrine and unbelief, from levity and 
indolence, from discord and contention, from 
unhappy sudden death, and from everlasting 
damnation, 

Family, Good Lord, deliver us. 

Father, From all calamity hj fire and 
water; from sickness and famine; from all 
danger and harm of body and soul. 



oO FAMILY PKAYER. 

Fam^ily. Preserve us^ Lord God. 

Fatlier, Let Thy blessing rest upon this 
house^ and uj3on our church and schools, 
upon our pastor and church council, upon 
our teachers and youth, upon our rulers, 
and upon all who dwell in this community. 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us, good 
Lord. 

Father, Bless me, in particular, whom 
Thou hast set as the father and head of this 
family; be v/ith the beloved mother, and our 
dear children ; be gracious unto all our friends 
and relations, far and near; be with those 
that serve us; and bless all who go in and 
out among us. 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Father, Thou God of peace, grant unto 
us Thy sacred peace; give us comfort in all 
trouble, and Thy help in every time of need; 
take up Thy abode with us; and rule us all 
according to Thy good pleasure. 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Fatlier, Bless the labor of our hands ; gra- 
ciously grant us our daily bread; and give us 
always contented minds. 



FAMILY TKAYEK. oi 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Fatlier, We commit ourselves mto Thy 
hands ; preserve and guide us according to 
Thy mercy; and finally grant that we may 
die in faith, and be admitted, through grace, 
to Thy everlasting salvation. 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Father, God the Father, bless us, 

Family, And keep us evermore. 

Father, Lord Jesus Clirist, make Thy 
face to sliine upon us, 

Family. And be gracious unto us. 

Fatlier, Holy Ghost, the Comforter, lift 
Thy countenance upon us, 

Family, And give us Thy peace. 

All, Amen. 

Morning Prayer. 

Jesus Christ, our crucified Lord and Sa- 
viour, we poor, miserable sinners have risen 
this morning in Thy name. Who, by Thy bit- 
ter sufferings and death on the cross, didst 
become a sin-offering for us, and didst redeem 



32 FAMILY PRAYER. 

US from sin^ from death, and from the power 
of the devil by Thy precious blood ; we pray 
Thee^ reign in our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit; 
refresh us with the dew of Thy grace^ keep 
us^ this day^ in Thy love ; and hide us^ with 
our bodies and souls^ in Thy sacred wounds. 
Wash us thoroughly from our sins; keep us 
in all good works; and conduct us safely 
through this vale of tears^ into Thy everlast- 
ing joy and felicity^ through Thee^ who art 
our only comfort and hope in life and in 
death^ Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 

Intercession for the Family, 

Father . Lord^ give ear unto my words; 
consider my meditation. Hearken unto the 
voice of my cry, my King, and my God^ for 
unto Thee will I pray. 

Family, Be gracious unto us^ Lord^ w^e 
beseech Thee^ and hear our prayer. 

Father, Thy mercy, Lord, is in the 
heavens. 

Family, And Thy faithfulness reacheth 
unto the clouds. 

Father, How excellent is Thy loving- 
kindness, God, therefore the children of 



FAMILY PRAYER. 33 

men put their trust under the shadow of Thy 
wings. Oh^ continue Thy loving-kiiidness 
unto them that know Thee. 

Family. And Thy righteousness unto the 
upright in heart. 

Father. Yea, Lord, we beseech Thee to 
rule, in goodness and mercy, over Thy saints 
whom Thou lovest; and let Thy gra^ce and 
blessing rest upon Thy whole Christian 
Church ; and in particular upon the congre- 
gation to which Thou hast appointed us. 

Family. Be gracious unto us, and hear 
us, good Lord, 

Father. Take into Thy faithful protection, 
our beloved pastor, who cares for our souls; 
bless our schools and teachers; the general 
government, and all who are in authority 
over us; and graciously watch over all the 
families of this community. 

Family. Be gracious unto us, and hear 
us, good Lord. 

Father. Merciful and faithful Lord God, 
extend Thy protecting hand, in particular, 
over this house, and all who dwell in it, and 
over all who come in, and go out among us — 
parents and children, friends and relations^ 
master, mistress, and servants. 



34 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Family. Be gracious unto us^ and hear 
us^ good Lord. 

Father, Lord God^ my heavenly Father^ 
Thou hast appointed me to be the father and 
priest over this house^ therefore I pray Thee 
for all whom Thou hast entrusted to me — for 
my dear wife and children, and for all who 
dwell in my house. Oh grant them Thy 
grace^ and let Thy rich blessing rest upon 
them forever. 

Family. Amen. Yea, Lord, bless us, and 
above all, grant Thy grace to our dear father, 
whom Thou hast given us, and let Thy bless- 
ing always abide upon him. 

Father. And upon you all, forever and 
ever. 

Family. Be gracious unto us, and hear 
us, good Lord. 

Father. Holy and merciful God, bless each 
one of us in his state and calling, and gra- 
ciously bestow Thy favor upon all our rela- 
tions^ friends, and neighbors. 

Family. Be gracious unto us, and hear 
us, good Lord. 

Father. Also, be merciful unto our ene- 
mies, and turn their hearts, and grant unto 



FAMILY PRAYER. 35 

US forgiving minds, that as much as lieth in 
us, we may live peaceably with all men. 

Family, Be gracious unto us. and hear 
us, good Lord. 

Father. Pour out Thy rich blessing upon 
all for whom our prayers are desired ; keep 
them from all harm and danger that may 
threaten their bodies or souls; endue them 
with grace ; and crown their lives with good- 
ness. 

Family, Be gracious unto us, and hear 
us, good Lord. 

Father. (Li particular, merciful God, 
we pray Thee for our dear N. N., who, &c. '^) 

Family. Be gracious unto us, and hear 
US; good Lord. 

Father. To Thy almighty protection, 
God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we 
commend ourselves, and all that we are and 
have, both now and forever. Keep us, 
Lord, and incline Thine ear unto our prayer ; 
and give us Thy Holy Spirit, that we may 
daily come before the throne of Thy grace. 



-:■" Here offer special petitions for any particular relative or friend, 
for whom prayers aie desired. 



36 FAMILY PRAYEE. 

aiid^ by Him^ offer to Thee our prayers 
for one another. 

Family, Be gracious unto us^ and hear 
us^ good Lord. 

Father. Thou^ God^ hearest prayer^ 

Family, And unto Thee shall all flesh 
come. 

Father. Therefore, graciously hear us^ 
Lord^ we beseech Thee^ and let this^ our of- 
fering of prayer^ be acceptable to Thee. 

Father and Family. Hear us^ Lord, hear 
us^ and be gracious unto us, and merciful, 
no\Y, henceforth, and forever. Amen. 

General Prayer. 

Father. Bless the Lord, my soul, and 
all that is within me, bless His holy name. 

Family. Bless the Lord, my soul, and 
forget not all His benefits. 

Father. Thou eternal, all powerful, 
and glorious God, great is Thy grace, 
boundless Thy love, unfathomable Thy 
mercy. We bless Thee, that Thou hast 
graciously preserved to us our life and 
health until this day. We adore and praise 



FAMILY PRAYER. 37 

Thee^ that Thou hast sent Thy dear Son to 
be our Saviour^ and that He has redeemed 
us with His most precious blood. We praise 
Thee^ tliat Thou hast established Thy church 
among us^ wherein we may receive^ as from 
the wells of salvation^ forgiveness of sins, 
comfort, and peace, through Thy sacred 
word, and Thy blessed sacraments. We 
give Thee most hearty thanks, for all the 
blessings contained in the earthly comforts 
which Thou hast bestowed upon us, of 
wdiicli we humbly confess ourselves wholly 
unworthy. Graciously continue to be mer- 
ciful unto us, and deliver us from all evil in 
time to come. Preserve us especially from 
the great enemy of our souls, and let him 
not have power over us. Keep us from 
every form of false doctrine, and unbelief, 
from hypocrisy and pride, and may no 
covetousness, envy, ill-will, malice, or other 
sins, dwell in our hearts. Preserve us, and 
all men, from the calamities of famine and 
pestilence, of war and bloodshed, and from 
the ravages of fire and water. Defend this 
our family, who are here assembled before 
Thee, and all who are connected with us, 



38 FAMILY PRAYER. 

from all the perils and distresses that afflict 
us in this mortal life^ and may we always be 
under Thy fatherly care and keeping. 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us^ 
good Lord. 

Father, Thou source of all good^ and 
giver of every perfect gift^ who hast com- 
manded us to pray, and hast promised to 
hear us, may w^e receive from Thy gracious 
hand; every blessing which we need for this 
life^ and for that wdiich is to come. In par- 
ticular, we pray Thee^ for the sake of Thy 
dear Son^ grant us all believing^ humble, 
and pious hearts and minds; extend Thy 
kingdom among us ; pour Thy Holy Spirit 
upon us; and enlighten us more and more, 
that we may know more of the plague of 
our hearts, and find our hope and refuge in 
Thee. Send Thy sacred peace to dwell in 
our families, and to reign over our land ; 
and grant Thy blessing to our several call- 
ings and to the lawful works of our hands. 
Give the aid of Thy Holy Spirit to all heads 
of families, that they may rule their house- 
holds well ; grant to all children an obedient 
disposition^ and to all servants honesty and 



FAMILY PRAYER. 39 

due reverence. Grant us suj)port in all 
times of trouble^ patience in suffering, and 
a blessed hope of heaven in the last hour. 
Be pleased^ according to Thy gracious will, 
and superior knowledge of our wants, to 
bestow upon us all other good things which 
we need. 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us, 
good Lord. 

Fatlier. Thou almighty Lord, who art 
three persons in one God, we humbly be- 
seech Thee, keep Thy holy church, through- 
out the world, in the true faith, and in fer- 
vent love to Thy pure word ; and increase 
the number of Thv believing; children here, 

t/ CD / 

and in all the ends of the earth. Have 
mercy upon the poor heathen, and may He 
who is the bright and morning star, arise 
and shine upon them, with the light and 
healing of His holy Gospel. Bestow Thy 
Holy Spirit, and Thy heavenly benediction, 
upon all the ministers, pastors, and officers 
of Thy holy Church, and help them to dis- 
charge their responsible duties well, and to 
the edification of Thy people. Bless our 
schools, and grant wisdom and success to 



40 FAMILY PRAYER. 

those who are appointed as instructors in 
them. Be with all rulers^ governors, and 
all others in authority over the nations 
of the earth ; and grant that they may rule 
in the spirit of the Gospel, and with due rev- 
erence for Thy holy will, so that Thy great 
name may be glorified, and the piety, virtue, 
and happiness of the people may be promo- 
ted. We pray Thee, especially for the rulers of 
our State and Nation, and implore for them, 
the constant guidance of Thy heavenly 
grace. Bless the domestic relation every- 
where; and give to all fixmilies, peace and 
harmony, heartfelt love, and sincere friend- 
ship. May all men receive such a propor- 
tion of earthly goods, as may be necessary 
for their comfort in this life ; and grant 
them sober and contented minds. Take 
all our dear relations and friends under 
Thy fatherly care, and stretch Thy pro- 
tecting hand over all, whether far or near, 
who are in any danger or distress. [We 

pray Thee in particular for ) . Have 

mercy upon all who are sick and afflicted ; 
upon all widows and orphans; upon all who 
are bereaved and oppressed; comfort and 



FAMILY PRAYER. 41 

support the dyings and^ after this hfe^ receive 
them and us, into Thy glorious and ever- 
lasting Kingdom in heaven. Hear us, 
triune God, for the sake of the honor of Thy 
holy name, and of the great love wherewith 
Thou hast loved us. 

Family, We beseech Thee to hear us, and 
be merciful to us, good Lord. Amen, 

General Inter eession. 

Lord God, the Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, who hast commanded us, in Thy 
holy word, to pray one for another, therefore, 
we have taken upon us to speak unto Thee, 
and to offer to Thee the earnest desires of 
our hearts. Thou wilt not despise our 
prayers, but wilt graciously hear and answer 
them. 

0, our God and Saviour, we pray for 
Thy holy church, and beseech Thee to pre- 
serve, protect, guide, and rule over it. Grant 
to it, at all times, faithful pastors and teach- 
ers. Anoint them with the Holv Ghost, and 
bless their labors. Save Thy church from 
all its enemies ; suppress all false doctrines ; 
preserve Thy congregations from offences and 

4* 



42 FAMILY PRAYER. 

schism ; and let the glory of Thy holy name 
be spread abroad throughout the world. En- 
lighten the ignorant ; convert the ungodly ; 
chasten the scorner; forgive the penitent; 
and have compassion upon us^ poor^ misera- 
ble sinners. Have mercy upon the benight- 
ed heathen^ and bless the messengers of 
peace v^hom Thou hast sent unto them^ that 
much people may be won to Thee^ and Thy 
name may be glorified here, and in all the 
ends of the earth. Grant Thy favor unto 
all Christian schools ; bless the teachers that 
preside in them, and the dear youth that at- 
tend them, and may the rising generation be 
reared in the fear of God, and in true faith. 
Take under Thy gracious protection all in- 
stitutions that are designed to build up Thy 
kingdom, and extend the Gospel of Thy dear 
Son, and endue with Thy Holy Spirit, all 
who labor in them. Protect, at the same 
time, 0, Almighty God, our government and 
commonwealth, and grant to all rulers and 
magistrates the piety of David, and the wis- 
dom of Solomon. May they faithfully care 
for the church, the welfare of our country, 
and the happiness of all over whom they 



FAMILY PILVYEK. 43 

rule; and wilt Thou richly bless the work of 
their hands. In particular, do we commend 
to Thy gracious protection, the President of 
the United States, the Governor of this State, 
and all others in authority over us. Im- 
plant thoughts of peace in the hearts of all 
warriors; may the nobles of the earth in- 
quire after Thee ; suggest wholesome coun- 
sels to the minds of all statesmen; may our 
judges decree righteous judgments ; and 
grant to all officers of justice sentiments of 
mercy, so that everywhere among us the 
evil may be punished, and the good reward- 
ed; vice may be restrained, and virtue cher- 
ished and promoted. Be with all the people 
of this land, and grant that they may love 
the government, duly honor all who are in 
authority, and have respect to the law^s by 
which they are governed. Bless each one 
in his position and calling; rule graciously 
over our whole country, and especia^lly in 
our immediate community. Bless all the 
households of our land, and grant that 
the heads thereof may live together in 
peace, have success in their efforts for the 
comfortable support of their families, and. 



44 FAMILY PRAYER. 

enjoy much satisfaction from the kind offi- 
ces^ and well-being of their children. En- 
dow their children with the spirit of filial 
love^ reverence, humility^ and obedience; 
and may the richest blessings of their pa- 
rents descend upon them^ and the fond 
parental hopes concerning them^ be fulfilled 
in their future lives. Provide good domes- 
tics for all masters and mistresses of fami- 
lies;, and inspire all who are thus employed, 
with cordial love and obedience, truth and 
fidelity; and at the same time, may those 
whom they serve, be considerate and kind, 
neither imposing severe burdens, nor requi- 
ting ungenerously the services which they 
render. We commend all sorts and condi- 
tions of men to Thy fatherly care and pro- 
tection, and pray Thee to bestow upon them 
all that they need. Especially we pray 
Thee, have mercy upon the poor and dis- 
tressed; comfort all that mourn and are in 
trouble; have compassion upon the sick; 
convert all who are imprisoned for their 
crimes; and deliver all who are innocently 
confined. Bear up the aged; gently guide 
the footsteps of little children ; care for all 



FAMILY PRAYER. 45 

widows and orphans; and strengthen and 
console the dying. Bless all our enemies^ 
and convert them into friends. Be gracious 
to all who desire to be remembered by us in 
our prayers^ for they and their necessities 
are well known to Thee. [In imrticular loe 

pray Thee in helialf of ). Finally^ 

we would yet commend to Thy gracious 
care and keeping, all our relations and 
friends^ who may be near at hand, or far 
away; preserve them^ dear Lord, from all 
evil; grant them all the good they need; 
and reign in them^, and over them, by Thy 
Holy Spirit. Be with them and us, now 
and always; and, finally, when the hour of 
death shall come, receive us all to eternal 
life^ through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 

Intercession, 

Father, Lord God, our heavenly Father, 
who hearest prayer, and to whom, therefore, 
all flesh shall come, trusting in Thy word 
and promise, in which Thou hast graciously 
said, Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye 
shall find;, knock and it shall be opened unto 



46 FAMILY PRAYER. 

you^ we presume to come before Thee with 
our prayer. We beseech Thee, Lord our 
God, mercifully to preserve us from the craft 
and temptation of the devil, from sin and 
apostasy, from false doctrine and unbelief, 
and to defend us by Th}^ holy angels, from 
all dangers that threaten our bodies or souls, 
our property or character. Lord God, our 
heavenly Father, into Thy hands we commit 
ourselves for safe and holy keeping. Lord 
Jesus Christ, Thou Son of the Father, we 
hope in Thy mercy. Holy Ghost, pro- 
ceeding from the Father and the Son, grant 
us Thy peace. 

Family, Amen. 

Fatlier, holy and eternal God, the Fa- 
ther of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray Thee ; 
as Thou hast given us life and being, Thou 
wilt also be gracious unto us, and so guide 
us by Thy almighty hand, that in all things 
we may glorify Thy holy name. Dearest 
Lord Jesus, who hast redeemed us by Thy 
most precious blood, we pray Thee : as Thou 
hast received us in the holy sacrament of 
baptism. Thou wilt also keep us by Thy grace, 
that we may not fall awaj^ from Thee, but 



FAMILY PRAYER. 47 

remain Thine forever. And ThoU; God the 
Holj Ghost, who hast graciously called us 
by the Gospel, and hast gathered us into Thy 
holy Church, as heirs of Thy heavenly King- 
dom, we pray Thee : increase our faith; en- 
lighten our minds, and the minds of all Chris- 
tians ; give us comfort and peace in all the con- 
flicts and trials with which we meet; make 
us perfect in holiness ; shed abroad Thy love 
in our hearts, and lead us safely through all 
the journey of life, to our everlasting rest 
in heaven. 

Family, Amen. 

FatJier, holy, triune God, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, who dost rule over us. Thy 
fjxvored children, with Almighty power, and 
dost freely give us all things, we pray Thee, 
graciously preserve and bless Thy holy 
Church on the earth; spread abroad Thy 
blessed w^ord among men ; and grant that it 
may prove itself the power of God to the sal- 
vation of many souls. And, to this end, wilt 
Thou be pleased so to guide and bless the 
labors of Thy servants whom Thou hast or- 
dained to preach the everlasting Gospel, here, 
and in all the ends of the earth, that they 



48 FAMILY PKAYER. 

may faithfully fulfil their office to the praise 
and glory of Thy great name^ and for the good 
of all mankind. thou King of kings^ and 
Lord of lordSj graciously ordain for us at all 
times — Christian rulers — who shall govern 
the nation in the fear of the Lord; and wilt 
Thou so replenish them and all Thy people^ 
with Thy grace, that we may lead a peace- 
able and quiet life, in all godliness and ho- 
nesty ? Tlion God of peace, give us peace 
throughout all our land, in the community 
where we dwell, in all our families, and in 
all our hearts ; graciously defend us from 
bloody wars, from sectional divisions, and lo- 
cal strifes ; and from all domestic conten- 
tions, and individual conflicts of interest or 
passion. Bless each one of us in his parti- 
cular station and calling, and mercifully rule 
over our fam-ily, and in the hearts of all who 
dwell with us, and who go in and out among 
us. Bless the labors of our hands, and give 
us day by day our daily bread. May we ex- 
perience Thy precious consolations in all 
times of trouble, grant us Thy rich supports 
in all our trials, and when temptations assail 
us, effect for us a gracious deliverance. {We 



FAMILY PRAYER. 49 

pray Thee especially in helialf of ) . Keep 

us this day, and at all times^ ready for our 
final hour, and for the glorious coming of our 
Lord Jesus Christ; and may we keep the 
faithj and finish our course with joy, that we 
may be found unto praise, and honor, and 
glory, at His appearing. Hear us, good Lord, 
hear us, good Lord, we beseech Thee, for the 
sake of the great love wherewith Thou hast 
loved us. 

Father and Family, Amen. 

Thctiiksg iv ing. 

Father. give thanks unto the Lord, for 
He is good. 

Family. And His mercy endureth forever. 

Father. Praise ye the Lord, for it is good 
to sing praises unto our God. 

Family. For it is pleasant, and praise is 
comely. 

Father. We thank Thee, and praise Thee, 
and magnify Thy goodness and Thy faith- 
fulness. Thy grace, and Thy mercy, Lord 
our God, forever and ever. 

Family. Hallelujah. 



50 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Fcdher. We thank Thee, God the Father, 
that Thou hast created us, and hast endowed 
us with manifold gifts. Blessed be Thy holy 
name. 

Family, Now, henceforth, and forever. 

Father. We thank Thee, God the Son, 
dearest Lord Jesus, because Thou hast re- 
deemed us with Thy most precious blood. 
Blessed be Thy dear name. 

Family. Now, henceforth, and forever. 

Father. We thank Thee, God the Holy 
Ghost, who hast called us into the Kingdom 
of grace, hast enlightened us by Thy gifts, 
and hast guided us in the way of holiness. 
Blessed be Thy holy name. 

Family. Now, henceforth, and forever. 

Father. Holy Lord God Almighty, Father 
Son, and Holy Ghost, we praise Thee, w^e 
bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify 
Thee, we give thanks to Thee, for all Thy 
grace, and favor, and blessing, which Thou 
hast vouchsafed to us, both for the body and 
the soul. We give thanks unto Thee, 
Lord, for Thou art good. 

Family. And Thy mercy endure th forever. 

Father. Holy Lord God, for Thy Holy 



FAMILY PRAYER. 51 

Church into which Thou hast called us; for 
Thy sacred Word and Gospel; for the holy 
sacrament of Baptism; and the gift of the most 
23recious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ; 
for Thy heavenly peace ; and for all our spi- 
ritual blessings^ we bring Thee praise^ a.nd 
honor^ and glory^ and thanksgiving, for Thou 
art good. 

Family. And Thy mercy endureth forever. 

Fatlier, Lord God, who art the mighty 
God, and the Lord of all lords ; for our Chris- 
tian government and wholesome laws ; for 
temporal peace and tranquillity; for preserva- 
tion from all national distress and danger, 
we bless, and praise, and thank Thee, for 
Thou art good. 

Family. And Thy mercy endureth forever. 

Father. Gracious and merciful God, for the 
care and keeping of Thy holy angels; for 
the kind protection of our house and family ; 
for all the rich blessings which Thou hast 
poured out upon us ; and for Thy consola- 
tion in all times of trouble and sorrow, we 
give Thee our thanks and humble praises, 
for Thou art good. 

Family. And Thy mere}' endureth forever. 



52 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Father. glorious and mighty God^ from 
whom cometh down every good and perfect 
gift^ the eyes of all wait upon Thee^ and 
Thou givest them their meat in due season. 
Thou openest Thy hand and satisfiest the de- 
sire of every living thing: for the daily bread 
which Thou givest us^ we thank and praise 
Thy loving-kindness, and Thy mercy, for 
Thou art good. 

Family. And Thy mercy endure th forever. 

Failier. Holy Lord God, Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, how shall we duly thank Thee 
for all Thy goodness and mercy shown to 
us. let the present thank-offering of our 
lips be acceptable to Thee, and be pleased 
graciously to regard our prayers, as Thou 
didst have respect unto the sacrifice of Abel. 
Accept the imperfect praises which we here 
offer to Thee, until we shall worthily thank 
Thee before Thy throne in heaven. 

Family. Forever and ever. Hallelujah. 

Fatlier. Let all the world be joyful in the 
Lord; praise Him all ye nations; praise Him 
all ye people; praise Him for His mighty 
acts ; praise Him according to His excellent 
greatness; praise Him with the sound of the 



FAMILY PRAYER. 53 

trumpet ; praise Hini with the psaltery and 
harp. Let every thing that hath breath, 
praise the Lord. 

All, Let every thing that hath breath, 
praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. Amen, 

Morning Prayer, 

Fatlier. Ahiiighty and everlasting God, in 
whom we live, and move, and have our be- 
ing; we, Thy needy creatures, render Thee 
our humble praises, for Thy preservation of 
us, from the beginning of our lives to this 
da3^; and especially for having delivered us 
from the dangers of the past night. To 
Thy watchful providence we owe it, that 
no disturbance hath come nigh us or our 
dwelling; but that we are brought in safety 
to the beginning of this day. For these 
Thy mercies, we bless and magnify Thy 
glorious name, humbly beseeching Thee 
to accept this our morning sacrifice of 
praise and thanksgiving, for His sake, who 
lay down in the grave, and rose again for 
us. Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Family. Amen. 



54 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Father. And since it is of Thy mercy^ 
gracious Father^ that another day is added 
to our lives, we here dedicate both our souls 
and our bodies to Thee and Thy service^ in 
a sober^ righteous, and godly life ; in which 
resolution do Thou^ merciful God^ confirm 
and strengthen us^ that as we grow in age 
we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Family, Amen. 

Father, But, God, who knowest the weak- 
ness and corruption of our nature, and the 
manifold temptations with which we daily 
meet, we humbly beseech Thee to have com- 
passion on our infirmities, and to give us the 
constant assistance of Thy Holy Spirit, that 
we may be effectually restrained from sin, 
and excited to our duty. Imprint upon our 
hearts such a dread of Thy judgments, and 
such a grateful sense of Thy goodness to us, 
as may make us both afraid and ashamed to 
offend Thee. 

And, above all, keep in our minds a lively 
remembrance of that great day, in which we 
must give a strict account of our thoughts, 
words, and actions ; and according to the 



FAMILY PEAYER. t)£) 

works doDG in the body, be eternally re- 
warded or punished, by Him whom Thou 
hast appointed the Judge of quick and dead, 
Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Family. Amen. 

Father. In particular, we implore Thy 
grace and protection for the ensuing day. 
Keep us temperate in our meats and drinks, 
and diligent in our several callings. Grant 
us patience under any afHictions Thou shalt 
see fit to lay on us, and minds always con- 
tented with our present condition. Give us 
grace to be just and upright in all our deal- 
ings ; quiet and peaceable, full of compassion, 
and ready to do good to all men, according 
to our abilities and opportunities. Direct us 
in all our ways, and prosper the works of 
our hands in the business of our several sta- 
tions. Defend us from all dangers and ad- 
versities, and be graciously pleased to take 
us, and all things belonging to us, under Thy 
fatherly care and protection. These things, 
and wdiatever else Thou shalt see necessary 
and convenient for us, we humbly beg, 
through the merits and mediation of Thy 
Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 

Father and Family, Amen. 



56 FAMILY PRAYER. 

A Litany for the Dijlag, 

Father. Lord^ 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father. Christ, 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father. Lord 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father. God the Father in heaven, 

Family. Have mercy upon us, and upon 
this dear sick child of Thine. 

Father. God the Son, Redeemer of the 
world, 

Family. Have mercy upon us, and upon 
this soul whom Thou hast redeemed with 
Thy blood. 

Father. God the Holy Ghost, 

Family. Have mercy upon us, and upon 
this weak and dying Christian. 

Father. everlasting God, hoh^ and blessed 
Trinity, 

Family. Be with him (or her) in his (or 
her) last agony. 

Father. Be gracious unto him (or her.) 

Family. Spare him (or her) good Lord. 

Father. Be gracious unto him (or her.) 



FAMILY PRAYER. 57 



Family, Save this poor soul^ Lord God. 

Fatlier. From the power and temptation 
of the devil ; from anguish of body and mind ; 
from all danger and necessity ; and from 
everlasting death^ 

Family. Good Lord^ deliver him (or her.) 

Father. By Thy holy incarnation ; by Thy 
agony and bloody sweat ; by Thy cross and 
passion ; by Thy glorious resurrection and 
ascension^ 

Family. Help him (or her) good Lord. 

Father. We poor sinners do beseech Thee^ 

Family. To hear us^ Lord God. 

Father. And that it may please Thee to 
give him (or her) the remission of all his (or 
her) sins ; to grant him (or her) Thy merci- 
ful help ; to keep him (or her) in true faith 
in Thy w^ord to the end ; to relieve his (or 
her) sufferings ; to strengthen him (or her) 
against all the assaults of the devil; to 
shorten the agonies of death ; and graciously 
to grant him (or her) everlasting life. 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us, good 
Lord. 

Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, 

Family. We beseech Thee to hear us. 



58 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Fatlier, Ln,mb of Gocl^ that takest away 
the sins of the world. 

Family. Have mercy upon him (or her.) 

Father. Lamb of God that takest away 
the sins of the world, 

Family. Have mercy upon him (or her.) 

Fatlier. Lamb of God that takest away 
the sins of the world. 

Family. Grant him (or her) Thy peace, 
evermore. 

Father. Christ, 

Family. Hear us. 

Father. Lord, 

Family. Have merc}^ upon us. 

Father. Christ, 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Fatlier. Lord, 

Family. Have mercy upon us. 

Father and Family. Amen. 

Advent^ Collects, and Prayers. 

Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we 
thank Thee that Thou didst graciously give 
to our fathers the promise of a Saviour, and 
didst, in the fulness of time, send Thv dear 



FAMILY PRAYER. 59 

Son ill the flesh, that as our righteous King, 
He mia:ht deliver us from the kinoxlom of 
darkness ; and as our gracious Redeemer, He 
might bestow uj)on us salvation and eternal 
life. We pray Thee : enlighten ns by His 
knowledge, and strengthen us by true Chris- 
tian faith in Him, that, as our King and Sa- 
viour, we may heartily submit ourselves to 
Him, and receive, serve, revere, and rejoice 
in Him all our days. Grant that He may al- 
ways dwell among us, and in us, and that we 
may ever remain faithful subjects of His King- 
dom, and serve Him with pious fidelity during 
all our lives. Incline the hearts and minds 
of all princes, and rulers, and all others in 
authority, to open to the King of kings, and 
Lord of lords, the gates of their palaces, and 
the doors of their kingdoms. May He enter 
their countries, their cities, and their churches; 
and, taking up His abode therein, may He 
reign and govern by His holy Word, and the 
blessed Spirit of truth. Restrain the efforts 
of all in authoritv, who close the doors of 
their kin axioms a2;ainst Christ and His Gos- 
pel; who refuse His admission into their do- 
minions, or who banish Him from them; but 



60 FAMILY PRAYER. 

who, on the contrary , open wide theh^ gates 
to antichrist^ to faLse doctrines^ and to griev- 
ous fanaticism. Graciously confound their 
malignant devices^ and bring to nought all 
their evil intentions. Eeveal Thy power and 
Th}^ mercy in behalf of all distressed souls^ 
who are held in the bonds of superstition and 
idolatry^ or who suffer the wretchedness of 
unbelief^ or who are led captive by false doc- 
trines^ and ungodly living. May Christ come 
to them in the power of His Holy Spirit^ and 
set up His kingdom of light;, and truth^ and 
righteousness in their hearts. And mayest 
Thou^ everlasting Father^ together with 
Thy eternal Son^ and the Holy Ghost^ be 
every where honored, and adored^ to the glory 
of Thy great name^ who livest and reignest 
forever and ever. Ameii. . 



our dear Lord and Saviour^ Jesus Christy, 
who hast been appointed of the Father^ judge 
of the living and the dead ; we humbly pray 
Thee^ so to rule in us^ and over us^ by Thy 
Holy Spirit;, that we may stand in daily 



FAMILY PRAYER. 61 

readiness for Thy second glorious coming. 
Infuse into our souls a godly nature, and help 
us to order our lives with a holy conversation, 
that when Thou comest to judge the world 
in righteousness, we may greet Thee with 
joy, and not with grief. Make no tarrying, 
Lord, but let Thy glorious appearing, with 
Thy elect angels, be nigh at hand, and, pla- 
cing the sheep of Thy flock at Thy right 
hand, grant them to hear the joyful sentence : 
ComxC, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 
tion of the world. Come, Lord Jesus, come 
quickly. We Avait for Thy coming; and 
with all Thy saints and blessed angels, we 
continually do cry. Holy, holy, holy, Lord 
God of Sabaoth, the heavens, and the earth, 
are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the high- 
est ! Blessed be the Son of Mary, who Co- 
meth in the name of the Lord ! Hosanna in 
the hisihest! Amen, 



Lord, our Heavenly Father, we give 
thanks unto Thee, that, for the consolation 
of us poor sinners. Thou hast ordained, and 



62 FAMILY PRAYER. 

sent Thy Son^, Jesus Christy to be a King and 
Saviour^, that He might redeem His people 
from their sins^ and save them from everlast- 
ing death J and we pray Thee^ so enlighten^ 
rule^ and direct us by Thy Holy Spirit^ that 
we may heartily receive Him as our King 
and Saviour^ cleave to Him alone^ and^ by 
steadfast confidence in Him^ obtain everlast- 
ing life, through the same, Thy Son, who 
liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy 
Spirit, forever and ever. Amen. 



Lord Jesus Christ, who at Thy first 
coming didst send Thy messenger to pre- 
pare Thy way before Thee, we beseech Thee 
raise up unto Thy church faithful ministers 
of Thy Divine Word ; and grant that those 
whom Thou hast appointed to be stewards of 
Thy mysteries may, like him, make ready 
Thy way, by turning the hearts of the dis- 
obedient to the wisdom of the just. And, we 
beseech Thee, excite within us all, a sincere 
desire for Thy salvation, that we may, with 
willing hearts, receive and treasure up Thy 



FAMILY PRAYER. 6o 

saving Word^ and thus, when Thou shalt 
come agam to judge the world, may be found 
an acceptable people in Thy sight, who livest 
and reignest forever and ever. Amen, 



Lord God, our Heavenly Father, who 
hast appointed Thy dear Son, our only Lord 
and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to be the Judge of 
the living and the dead, and hast put all 
things under His feet, we beseech Thee, to 
awaken in us, and in Thy wdiole Christian 
Church on earth, by the power of the Holy 
Ghost, a holy fear, and true readiness for the 
last great day of j udgment. Help us to strive 
with great earnestness to be saved. Remind 
us every day of the solemn nature of the 
judgment, that we may not sleep as do the 
children of darkness, but be wakeful and so- 
ber as the children of light. Send us Thy 
Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Prayer, that 
by His influence we may always watch and 
pray, and be found faithful servants when 
the Master of the house shall come at an 
hour when we think not. As Thou hast 



64 FAMILY PRAYER. 

taught US in Thy Holy Word^ that the day 
of the Lord will come as a thief in the nighty 
and as a snare upon all them who live se- 
curely in the world^ therefore^ we beseech 
Thee; grant us Thy aid that w^e may heed 
well the signs of the future coming of the Son 
of Man. Grant to all kings and princes of 
the earthy and to all who are in authority 
every where^ Thy guidance and grace^ that 
they may govern Thy people according to 
Thy word^ and at all times keep well in mind 
the great day of final reckoning. Set faith- 
ful watchmen upon the walls of Zion^ who 
are able to discern the fearful signs of the 
present times; who are earnest meUj and 
strong in prayer, and who will faithfully 
warn in Thy name^ the souls committed to 
their care^ so that none may be lost. Grant 
to all Thy people^ far and near^ attentive 
earS; and Avilling hearts^ that they may give 
due heed to the voice and warning of Thy 
faithful watchmen^ the ministers of Thy 
Word. Prepare us all fully, for Thy coming, 
by a true and living faith, and graciously hold 
us in Thy hand that we may be safe from 
falling. And then. Lord^ when the last 



FAMILY PRAYER. b-J 

day shall break upon the worlds and men's 
hearts fail them for fear^ on account of the 
terrors that prevail around them^ when the 
powers of heaven shall be shaken^ and on the 
earth shall be distress of nations with per- 
plexitjj the sea and the waves roaring, then 
come to our help with Thy powerful deliver- 
ance, that we, the saints whom Thou hast 
loved and purchased with Thy blood, may 
lift up our heads, for our redemption draweth 
nigh. Lord, Thou Almighty, gracious, and 
merciful God, sutler us not to sink down into 
eternal death, but raise us up, together with 
all Thy people, to everlasting life, that we 
may inherit the kingdom which Thou hast 
prepared for us, and promised to us, for the 
sake, and through the blood, of Thy dear 
Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
Amen, 

Christmas Prayei^s and Collects, 

Father, Lord Jesus, Thou most precious 
Saviour, we thank Thee that Thou didst 
condescend to take upon Thyself flesh and 
blood, in order to redeem us from our sins. 

6* 



66 FAxMILY PRAYER. 

dearest Lord^ Son of God^ and Son of Mary, 
come to us daity, and dwell in our hearts by 
Thy grace, and spread abroad therein, Thy 
sacred peace. Thou holy child Jesus, 
sanctify us and our children, and make us 
all children of God by Thy holy incarnation, 
and by Thy bitter sufferings and death. Thou 
hast become our brother, that we might be- 
come Thy brethren, in Thy, and our Father's 
glorious, eternal kingdom. prepare Thy 
way to our hearts, and give us Thy Holy 
Spirit, that we may receive Thee joyfully 
as Thou dost again come to Thy Church with 
grace and peace. With the voice of praise 
would Ave go forth to meet Thee, and with 
angels, and with seraphim, and with Thy 
holy Church on earth, would we cry one to 
another. Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of Sa- 
baoth, Heaven and earth is full of Thy glory, 
Hosanna in the highest! Blessed be the Son 
of Mary, who cometh in the name of the 
Lord! Hosanna in the highest! 

Family, Blessed be the Son of Mary who 
cometh in the name of the Lord ! Hosanna 
in the highest! Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 67 

Dearest Immanuel^ our Lord Jesus Christ, 
Son of Godj and Son of Mary^ we thank Thee 
that Thou didst willingly take upon Thyself 
the miseries of our sinful race^ leave Thy 
Father's throne to descend to us in our fallen 
estate^ and assume our flesh and blood, that 
thereby we might be made partakers of Thy 
divine nature. Through Thee Thy Heavenly 
Father hath revealed His loving heart, and 
His gracious purposes toward us. There is 
now peace that siiall never more be broken, 
since His wrath has been appeased by Thee. 
By Thy mysterious birth mto the world, are 
we now born again into Thy kingdom of 
heaven, and Thou hast become to us the 
true heavenly porter by whom we have free 
access to our Father, and an abundant en- 
trance into His kingdom. dearest Lord, 
and most gracious Immanuel, grant that we 
may rightly know the mystery of godliness — 
Thy manifestation in the flesh; be properly 
affected by Thy great love and gracious dis- 
position towards us; duly consider Thy low- 
liness and poverty ; take comfort from Thy 
advent among men; and richly experience 
the power of Thy regenerating grace. Open 



68 FAMILY PRAYEK. 

our hearts^ and lips^ and tongues^ that, with 
the angels who have again become our friends, 
we may worship, and bless^ and praise Thee; 
be enabled to please our dear Father recon- 
ciled in Thee^ and, at last^ be forever with 
Thee in the joys of Thy everlasting kingdom. 
Amen, 



Lord God^ our heavenly Father, we 
give Thee hearty thanks, that of Thy 
wonderful love and mercy, Thou didst 
ordain, from eternity, Thy only begot- 
ten Son to be our Saviour; and didst 
in the fulness of time, send Him, in the 
form of a helpless babe, into this world 
of sin and misery. Thou didst not spare 
Thy beloved, Thy only begotten Son, but 
didst freely deliver Him up for us, that we, 
being purified from the corruption of our 
fleshly birth, and delivered from the power 
of sin and death, might become Thy chil- 
dren, and heirs of Thy heavenly kingdom. 
We pray Thee, grant that we may always 
truly know the fulness of this Thy grace 
and mercy. Grant us Thy Holy Spirit that 



FAMILY PRAYER. 69 

we may receive Thy dear Son into our hearts 
more and more^ by a true faith in Him^ and 
at all times find much comfort for our souls, 
in His holy incarnation. May we, through 
the grace and power of the same. Thy only 
begotten Son, live as Thy obedient children, 
and serve Thee in true holiness, that, at last 
we may, with all Thy elect saints, and Thy 
holy angels, praise and glorify Thee in hea- 
ven forever. Glory to Thee in the highest, 
and on earth peace, good will toward men. 
Amen, 



Lord Jesus Christ, who art the holv 
Son of God, and Son of Mary; glory be to 
Thee in the highest heavens, that for our 
sakes Thou didst come into this world of 
misery, and didst take upon Thyself our 
flesh and blood. Thou didst humble Thy- 
self that we might be exalted, and didst be- 
come our brother, that, through Thee, we 
might become the children of God, and 
the heirs of Thy heavenly kingdom. Thou 
didst descend from Thy heavenly glory into 
this sorrowful life, that, through Thy holy 



70 FAMILY PRAYER. 

obedience^ and Thy bitter sufferings and 
death. Thou mightest raise us from earth 
to heaven. May it be our comfort in life 
and in deatli, that our sinful nature is sanc- 
tified in Thee, and that by Thy gracious in- 
carnation we are renewed after Thy divine 
image. May the remembrance of the great 
honor which Thou hast thereby bestowed 
upon our human nature before the Father 
and the holy angels, lead us to deny all un- 
godliness and worldly lusts, and most ear- 
nestly to guard against all filthiness of the 
flesh and spirit. Transform us more and 
more into Thy holy image, and may Tliy 
love dwell in us, and we in Thee, so that 
when that which is in part shall be done 
away, and that which is perfect be come, 
we may be like Thee, and see Thy face in 
everlasting joy and glory, through Thee, 
who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, 
one God, livest and reignest forever and 
ever. Amen, 



Lord God, our heavenly Father, we 
thank Thee, that of Thy great goodness 
and mercy. Thou hast caused Thine only 



FAMILY PRAYER. 71 

begotten Son to become partaker of our 
flesh and blood, that we^ through Hhii^ 
might be redeemed from sin and ever- 
lasting death;, we pray Thee: enlighten 
our hearts that Vv^e may be truly thankful 
to Thee for His gracious mcarnation and 
birth; that we may be comforted by the 
same in all time of tribulation and tempt- 
ation; and^ in the end^ be saved with an 
everlasting salvation, through the same^ 
Thy dear Son^ Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

New Year Collects and Prayers. 

Lord God; our heavenly Father^ who 
hast; for the benefit of us poor sinners, made 
Thy Son subject to the law, that He, by His 
perfect obedience, might appease Thy wrath, 
and heal our disobedience : we thank Thee 
for this Thy fatherly grace, and we pray 
Thee, grant that by Thy Holy Spirit, our 
hearts may be enlightened, so that by His 
obedience, we may comfort ourselves against 
our sins and an evil conscience, and may be- 
gin and end the new year in true faith and 



72 FAMILY TRAYER. 

lioliiiess, and in rigliteousness of life. Grant 
that bv the help of the same Spirit, we may 
mortify the sinful desires of the fleshy walk 
as Thy obedient children in thifcj earthly state, 
and finally, inherit life eyerlasting, through 
Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, who is blessed 
foreyer. Amen, 



Almighty God, most gracious Father, from 
whom w^e do constantly receive all manner 
of good, which we haye in no wise merited, 
we give Thee thanks, that in the year which 
is now drawing to a close, Thou hast so gra- 
ciously and mightil}' protected us, and hast 
bestowed upon us so many blessings both 
temporal and spiritual ; and we pray Thee, 
enable us by Thy Spirit, and with true faith, 
to acknowledge all these Th}' benefits, that 
so Aye may evermore tliaidv and praise Thee 
for Thy goodness and mercy, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, who livetli and reigneth 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost, the only 
true God, world without end. Amen, 



FAMILY PRAYER. 73 



Aliiiiglity God, our heavenly Father, Ave 
give Thee humble and hearty thanks, that 
during the past year Thou hast preserved us 
from all evil, hast bestowed upon us all man- 
ner of good, and dost permit us to enter upon 
a new year; and we pray that it may please 
Thee mercifully to crown the same with Thy 
goodness; to bless us and our households 
with Thy heavenly gifts; and to grant, and 
to preserve unto us whatsoever is necessary 
for our bodily wants; to avert from us all ca- 
lamities and evils; and to make this to be 
unto us a blessed, peaceful, and happy year, 
for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, 
our only Saviour. Amen. 



For the heg inning of the Year, 

Almighty and eternal God, merciful and 
gracious Father, Thou hast again permitted 
us to bring to an end one year of our earthly 
pilgrimage, and to begin another in Thy name. 
Lord God, how great and manifold are the 
tokens of Thy goodness, which, in paternal 

7 



74 FAxMILY PRAYER. 

tenderness^ Thou hast bestowed upon us, 
whilst we have deserved, on account of our 
sins, nothing but the marks of Thy displea- 
sure. We are unable to recount all the bene- 
fits which Thou hast granted us during the 
past year, for they cannot be numbered. 
Thou hast, indeed, corrected us for our nu- 
merous offences against Thee, but Thou hast 
not taken Thy Holy Spirit from us. For 
these, Thy mercies, we heartily thank Thee. 
And we humbly pray Thee, enter not into 
judgment with us on account of our past sins, 
whereby we have offended Thee, but gra- 
ciously forgive them for Jesus' sake. So rule 
in us that we may not take any old corrup- 
tion and wickedness with us into the new 
year, but be enabled to put on the new man 
which is created in righteousness and true 
holiness. Begin, dear Father, to bless us 
anew. Renew to us Thy fatherly affection 
and faithfulness. Give us a holy mind, and 
help us to do all good works. Save us from 
being overwhelmed with sorrow, and from 
the punishments which our sins have de- 
served. As during all the past time of our 
lives there was no hour or moment in which, 



FAMILY PRAYER. 75 

without Thy protection^ we might not have 
fallen into great calamity, so wilt Thou, like- 
Avise^ graciously throw over us Thy preser- 
ving care during this year on which Ave have 
now entered. Merciful God and Father, hear 
our Prayer. Have mercy upon all men. 
Preserve to us the pure doctrines of Thy 
Word. Sanctify all ministers of the Gospel , 
and all teachers of youth. Edify our churches, 
and bless our schools. Preserve us from false 
doctrines. Strengthen the hands of all faith- 
ful rulers. Vouchsafe to our country wise 
statesmanship, and obedience to wholesome 
laws. Bless all fathers and mothers. Eule 
over our children, and all who serve us. 
Defend us from war and bloodshed. Avert 
from us pestilence and famine. Kes train 
the Avrath of the devil. Send Thy holy an- 
gels to minister to us. Crown this year with 
Thy goodness. Give peace to our land, joy 
to our hearts, and health to our bodies. 
Bless our laAvful occupations. Further the 
AYork of our hands. Grant a comfortable 
livelihood to all that labor. Convert sinners. 
Comfort the pious. Restore the erring. En- 
lighten our enemies. Defend us from perse- 



76 FAMILY PRAYER. 

cutions. Protect the widow and the orphan. 
Provide for the poor. Feed the hungry. 
Give drink to the thirsty. Cheer the hearts 
of those who are driven into exile. Release 
the prisoners. Comfort the sorrowful. Make 
glad the distressed. Watch over the sick. 
Help the forsaken. Revive the discouraged. 
Deliver the oppressed. Help all who are in 
labor. Protect the traveller. Be with the 
dying. Grant these praj^ers^ our heavenly 
Father^ for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus 
Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen, 



The Name of Jesiis, 

Lord Jesus Christ ; blessed be Thy holy 
name. We thank and praise Thee, dearest 
Saviour, that, in obedience to Thy heavenly 
Father s counsel. Thou didst come into this 
wretched world, wast circumcised the eighth 
day, and thus wast made subject to the law, 
and didst take upon Thyself the precious 
name Jesus. Yea, Lord, Thou art our Jesus, 
our Saviour and Redeemer, and Thou hast 
ordained that we should be called and known 



FAMILY PRAYER. 77 

by Thy own lioly name. In Thy name alone 
is life; and peace, and salvation ; in Thy holy 
name will we offer np our prayers ; in Thy 
name do we find comfort in all times of 
trouble; and in Thy name will w^e go hence 
in the final hour. In Thy name^ too, do we 
hope to stand justified in the last day, when 
Thou wilt come to judge the world in power 
and great glory. Sanctify us, dearest Lord 
Jesus, and let Thy precious name be our 
chief adorning. Grant that at Thy name all 
knees may bow, more and more, of things 
that are in heaven, and that are in earth, 
and that are under the earth. Let Thy 
name be the great glory of Thy holy Church 
in the world, and like the perfume of holy 
ointment poured out, may it fill the whole 
earth. Let Thy name, also, be the joy and 
delight of all who dwell in this house ; the 
bond of love and peace that unites all our 
hearts together; and the unfailing source of 
grace and blessing to our souls. Lord Jesus, 
in Thy name would we do all things ; and to 
the glory of Thy name w^ould we live, through 
the strength of Thy grace, now and forever. 
Ame7i, 

7* 



78 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Epij^liany Prayers and Collects. 

kind and o:racious Saviour, in whom are 
hid all the treasures of wisdom and know- 
ledge, we pray Thee : so rule our hearts by 
Thy Holy Spirit^ that we, walking in Thy 
footsteps, and following Th}^ example, may 
have great love and desire for Thy holy 
Word, and the assemblies of Thy saints. 
Grant that our children may follow after 
godliness, and, showing reverence for Thy 
word, and submitting themselves obediently 
to the instructions of those that are set over 
them in the Lord, may like Thee, grow in 
wisdom and stature, and in favor with God 
and man; and, in the end, inherit life ever- 
lasting, through Thee, who, with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest for- 
ever and ever. Amen. 



Lord Jesus, holy and beloved, who art 
ever gracious and merciful, and condescend- 
est to take up Thy abode with the children 
of men, we pray Thee : disdain not to come 
to this house with Thy comfort and peace. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 79 

and abide with us. We are^ indeed^ un- 
worthy that Tliou shouldest come under our 
roof; but Thou art the friend of the poor^ 
and the Saviour of sinners, and dost gra- 
ciously have respect unto those that are 
lowly. As in Cana Thou didst, in great 
condescension, enter into the house of the 
poor, and didst, with wonderful love, take 
part in their joys, so enter also into our 
house, day after day, and be with us in joy 
and in sorrow. Sanctify our joys; be our 
help in need, and our comforter in times of 
trouble. May we always experience Thy 
sanctifying and consoling presence ; and, we 
pray Thee; reveal to us, more and more of 
Thy glory, that we may grow in faith, and 
our whole lives may be a holy sacrifice, and 
an acceptable service to Thee. The king- 
dom of heaven is where Thou art, Lord, 
and there, also, are peace and joy in the Holy 
Ghost. come, therefore, daily to us, and 
bring Thy blessed peace, and Thy holy joy 
into our house and hearts. In the world we 
are desolate and without peace; Lord Je- 
sus, Thou alone art the joy and delight of 



80 FAMILY PRAYER. 

our^ouls. We praise Thy holy name, and 
bless Thy faithfulness and Thy love^, now 
and forever. Amen, 



Thou dearest Lord and Saviour^ Jesus 
Christy who^ out of great love for us didst 
come into the world, in order to redeem us 
poor sinners, and for our sakes didst go, in 
wonderful patience, to meet the bitter agony 
and death that awaited Thee, we confess to 
Thee, in sorrow and humility, that we have 
often been unmindful of Thy love, and have 
not duly considered that for us Thou didst 
endure all this great suffering. Behold, we 
are blind and miserable, and do not call to 
mind as, daily, we ought, that Thou, our 
Saviour, didst shed Thy blood for us on the 
cross. Open Thyself, in us, the eye of faith, 
that we may see in Thee, the Crucified One, 
alone, life and salvation, our peace and hap- 
piness, forever. Eeveal the glory of Thy 
passion more and more, to the inhabitants 
of the world, that all the nations of the earth 
may gather around the cross as their sacred 
banner. Under Thy cross may we, too, al- 



FAMILY PRAYER. 81 

ways stand, until we shall enter into Thy 
glory, which by suffering and death Thou 
hast obtained for us, and which Thou w^ilt 
graciously bestow upon all that are Thine. 
Thou Holy One of Israel, who wast cruci- 
fied for us, grant that, with pure hearts, and 
sincere devotion, w^e may bless and praise 
Thy name, here on earth, and in heaven for- 
ever. Amen. 



God, who knowest us to be set in the 
midst of so many and great dangers, that, 
by reason of the frailty of our nature, we 
cannot always stand upright; grant us such 
strength and protection as may support us in 
all dangers, and carry us through all tempta- 
tions, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Lord w^e beseech Thee to keep Thy 
Church and household continually in Thy 
true religion, that they who do lean upon 
the hope of Thy heavenly grace, may ever- 
more be defended by Thy Almighty power, 



82 FAMILY PRAYER. 

through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 
Amen, 

Lent Prayers and Collects, 

Lord Jesus, who art our true, lioly. and 
eternal high-priest, who, by Thy own blood, 
hast entered once into the holy place, having 
obtained eternal redemption for us^ we thank 
and praise Thee, that, by the one holy sa- 
crifice which Thou didst offer for us, Thou 
hast reconciled us to God our Father, made 
us free from sin, and hast purged us from 
dead works to serve the living God ; and we 
pray Thee : grant us Thy Holy Spirit that 
our hearts may be greatly comforted by this 
Thy holy sacrifice for our sins ; that we may 
heartily trust and confide in it for forgive- 
ness and eternal life; and in return for this, 
Thy grace, may devote ourselves as an offer- 
ing to Thee, with all the powers of our bo- 
dies, souls, and spirits. Thou great and 
holy high-priest, who hast ascended into the 
heavens, and sittest on the right hand of 
Majesty, in Thee we, with Thy whole church 
would find our refuge, for Thou art touched 
with the feeling of our infirmities. Thy 



FAMILY PRAYER. 83 

priesthood is unchangeable; Thou livest 
forever, and intercedest for us; therefore, we 
are of good cheer amid the sorrows of this 
earthly life, and we have confidence when 
suffering much temptation from the devil, 
the world, and the flesh. Thou art our Ad- 
vocate with the Father, and by the power 
of Thy intercession, are we preserved, and 
strengthened, and raised up even when we 
fall. Lord ; grant, that, through Thy in- 
tercession, our prayers may, at all times, 
avail with God our Father, and be well 
pleasing in His sight, and be heard by Him. 
Thou High-Priest, who art holy, harm- 
less, undefiled, and separate from sinners, 
and made higher than the heavens ; we pray 
Thee : bless Thy poor and feeble people, from 
the height of heaven, and lift up Thou the 
light of Thy countenance upon us. Bless us 
through Thy Word and Sacraments; and 
through the office and benediction of Thy 
ministers; and let the streams of Thy grace 
flow over us richly, that thereby our hearts 
may be refreshed ; and holy faith, and un- 
feigned love to Thee, may live, and be 
strengthened in us. 



84 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Thou holy, divine^ and everlasting 
High-Priestj who hast by Thy bloody sacri- 
fice dearly purchased us; who ever liveth to 
make intercession for us with the Father in 
heaven^ and out of Thy rich grace and mer- 
cy^ gives t Thy high-priestly blessing to Thy 
people ; we pray Thee : accept us as we now 
give ourselves wholly to Thee^ to be Thine 
own; for Thine would we be^ living and dy- 
ing; Thine here on earth; and Thine in 
heaven above^ with the innumerable com- 
pany of Thy saints, forever and ever. Aiiien. 



Lord Jesus Christ, who didst fast forty 
days and forty nights in the wilderness, and 
didst overcome all the temptations of the 
devil; we thank Thee : that for our salvation. 
Thou wast in all points tempted like as we 
are, yet without sin; and as our merciful 
high-priest, canst be touched with the feel- 
ing of our infirmities; and we pray Thee : 
give us grace, steadfastly to resist the allure- 
ments of sin, that the hists of our flesh be- 
ing subdued to the spirit, we may ever obey 



FAMILY PRAYER. 85 

Thy godly motions in righteousness and true 
hoUness^ to Thy honor and giory^ who livest 
and reignest with the Father and the Holy 
Ghost^ one God^ world without end. Amen. 



all-wise and merciful Lord God^ Thou 
alone knowest the hidden depths of sin and 
corruption in the heart of man. Thou 
knowest how miserable and impotent we 
are; but Thou art gracious, and wilt not 
reject us because w^e are unworthy. Thou 
bearest with our sins, and waitest until, 
moved with true contrition, we confess our 
iniquities, and uncover before Thee, the 
deep fountain of our sinful hearts. Ah, 
Lord, Thou hast searched us, and known 
us; how can we hide our sins from Thee? 
Yea, a thousand times have we betrayed 
Thee; there is not one of Thy holy com- 
mandments that we have not broken; there 
is no sinful joy after which our evil hearts 
have not lusted. But Thou art still our 
Saviour and Redeemer. We fly to Thee in 
our distress. Cast us not awav. oh cast us 

8 



86 FAMILY PRAYER. 

not away. Although we have so often for- 
gotten Thee^ stilly in mercy remember Thou 
us^ Lord. Let us not fall out of Thy 
hand, nor smk into the depths of Satan. 
Chasten us in Thy good pleasure^ on ac- 
count of all the evils of the heart, which 
Thine eye perceives in us^ that we may re- 
pent, and not, like the son of perdition^ be 
lost forever. Lord God most holy, Lord 
most mighty. holy and merciful Saviour^ 
deliver us not into the bitter pains of eter- 
nal death. Amen. 



Almighty and everlasting God, our hea- 
venly Father^ who didst give Thy Son to 
suffer for us the painful death of the cross^ 
that Thou mightest remove from us the 
power of the enemy, grant that the bitter 
sufferings of Thy dear Son, may so move 
our hearts^ that we may seek and obtain the 
forgiveness of our sins and everlasting re- 
demption, through the same^ Thy Son^, Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Ameii. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 87 

Jesus in Getlisemane, 

Lord our Saviour^ how much^ how 
much didst Thou suffer on account of our 
sins ! Thou innocent Lamb of God^ Thy 
soul trembled^ and was afraid^ and suffered 
the deepest distress and terror, when our 
sins, and the sins of the whole world, were 
laid on Thee. Thou didst writhe in the 
dust, that we might be redeemed. Thou 
didst suffer burning anguish of soul, that 
thereby we might be delivered from the tor- 
ments of hell. Lord, help us to acknow- 
ledge with fear and trembling, the greatness 
of our sins and guilt, that caused Thee such 
bitter sufferings. Ah ! at what a terrible 
price of agony and distress, of heart-groans 
and death-strugglings, of bloody sweat and 
exceeding sorrow, didst Thou purchase and 
redeem us, poor, lost and condemned sinners. 
Never can we sufficiently thank Thee for 
this Thy wonderful love and mercy. 
Thou dearest high-priest of our profession, 
have mercy upon us, and grant that we may 
wholly rest our hopes upon the merits of 
Thy bloody sacrifice. By Thine agony and 



88 FAMILY PRAYER. 

bloody sweat, help us, good Lord. By Thy 
fear and terror, give us comfort and courage. 
By Thy great sorrow and heaviness, have 
mercy upon us, and grant us peace and joy 
in the final hour. Amen. 

Jesus he/ore Pilate. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou King of saints, 
who wast despised and rejected of men, but 
who now sittest at the right hand of the 
Majesty on high, how low was the state of 
humiliation, before Pontius Pilate, to which 
Thou didst submit, in order to exalt us to 
heaven ! Thou King of truth, grant that 
we may so hear Thy voice, and follow Thy 
call, that we may enter into Thy everlasting 
kingdom. Thy kingdom is not of this world, 
and Thy dominion is spiritual and heavenly, 
but we are earthly and full of sin. cleanse 
Thou us by Thy blood, that we, as Thy sanc- 
tified ones, and blessed of Thy Father, may 
once stand before Thee with joy. Thou 
King who wast crowned with thorns, gra- 
ciously grant tons the crown of eternal life. 
Thou King who didst bear scorn and suffering, 



FAMILY PRAYER. 89 

mercifully grant to us an entrance into Thy 
kingdom of joy and glory. Thou who 
wast a King on the cross^ and in death^ have 
mercy upon us^ and bring us to everlasting 
life. Thou holy and eternal King, we 
prostrate ourselves before Thy cross as before 
the throne on which Thou wast lifted up; 
and we offer unto Thee, our homage and our 
prayers. Graciously accept us as Thy sub- 
jects^ and keep us faithful to Thee forever^ to 
the honor and glory of Thy name, for the 
sake of the great love wherewith Thou hast 
loved us. Amen. 

Jesus on the Cross, 

Lord Jesus Christy who art our only and 
ever-living high-priest and intercessor; who 
art the Saviour of the world and hast borne 
the sins of all men on the cross ; and who 
didst;, out of great love and mercy^ pray for 
Thy enemies and cruel murderers ; we pray 
Thee: be merciful also unto us, forgive our 
sins, and intercede for us with Thy heavenly 
Father. Ah ! Lord Jesus, who art our faith- 
ful high-priest, our sins they were, that 
nailed Thee to the cross. Our griefs Thou 

8* 



90 FAMILY PRAYER. 

didst bear; the curse that rested on us^ was 
laid on Thee, who wast altogether holy and 
without sin. Thou didst submit to suffering 
and death in order to redeem us. For this. 
Thy unspeakable love^ we would praise Thee 
with our whole hearts, and we pray that 
Thou wouldst let the streams of Thy grace 
and mercy flow over us abundantly; and 
grant that we may receive the forgiveness 
of sin, and taste the rich blessings procured 
for us by Thy bitter sufferings and death. 
let Thy holy and merciful intercession, when 
Thou didst, amid the cruel sufferings of the 
cross, pray for Thy persecutors and tormen- 
tors, Father forgive them, also be uttered 
on our behalf. Yea^ Lord, Thou dost also 
pray for us, as our holy and divine Advocate 
with the Father. Grant unto us^ also, 
merciful and forgiving hearts^ and pour out 
upon us, Thy own wonderful redeeming love, 
that we, too, may willingly forgive our 
enemies, bless them that curse us, do good 
to them that hate us, and pray for them 
that despitefully use us and persecute us ; so 
that we/0 our Saviour, may resemble Thee. 
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 91 

A Prayer in Rememhrance of Christ's Death, 

holy and merciful Lord Jesus Christ; 
we thank Thee that Thou didst shed Thy 
blood for us on the cross, and that by Thy 
painful sufferings and death^ Thou hast re- 
deemed us from sin and its curse, from the 
power of the devil, and from the fear of hell. 
Blessed be Thy holy name, and praised be 
Thy unspeakable mercy, forever. Lord, 
let Thy great love for us not have been be- 
stowed in vain. Give us now and always, 
a deep sense of Thy wonderful compassion; 
and grant that in our lives, we may praise 
and glorify Thy holy name. Grant unto us, 
and to all Christians every where, the rich 
blessings flowing from Thy sufferings and 
death, and keep us forever in Thy saving 
communion. May we remain in Thee, as 
the branches are united with the vine; and 
may our lives be productive of such fruits 
of righteousness as shall be pleasing to Thee. 
Awaken in us, now and always, the spirit 
of active obedience to Thy truth, that we 
may be like-minded with Thee, and walk, 
as we have Thee, for our example. Impart 



92 FAMILY PRAYER. 

to us^ out of the holy fulness of Thy love, 
true^, unfeigiied;> and pure love to each other. 
Grant that we may not mind high things^ 
but condescend to men of low estate^ and 
serve one another in holy humility^ as Thou 
wast meek and lowly of heart. Be Thou 
our help in all the conflicts of earth; our 
strength in weakness; our comforter in trou- 
ble. Lord^ bless us in going out, and in 
coming in, and watch over us with Thy 
powerful protection. Have mercy upon us, 
and grant our prayer, on account of Thy in- 
nocent sufferings and death, and for the sake 
of the precious blood which Thou didst shed 
for us on the cross. Amen, 



Another 



Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Re- 
deemer, who didst become obedient unto 
death, even the death of the cross; how se- 
vere was Thy labor ; how great were Thy suf- 
ferings; how distressing was Thy death! 
Blessed be Thy holy name, for Thy work, 
for Thy sufferings and shame, for Thy agony 



FAMILY PRAYER. 93 

and death, and for the eternal redemption 
which by the sacrifice of Thyself, Thou hast 
procured for us. Surely Thou hast borne 
our griefs, and carried our sorrows^, that with. 
Thy stripes we might be healed. Thou 
didst become a curse for us, that we might 
inherit a blessing. Grant^, Lord Jesus, that 
we, together with Thy holy church univer- 
sal, may always share by faith, the benefits 
of Thy holy sacrifice, and be comforted by 
it, and that our sinful flesh, together with all 
its lusts and passions, may be daily crucified 
with Thee. Give us a gentle and forgiving 
temper, that, in imitation of Thy blessed ex- 
ample, we may at all times love, and pra}^ 
for, our enemies. Save us from the pains 
of hell, and from the tormenting fear of being 
forsaken of Thee. Awaken within us a holy 
thirst after the waters of salvation, and an 
ardent longing for the bliss of heaven; and 
when w^e have finished our earthly life, may 
our last utterance be, Father, into Thy hands, 
I commit my spirit. And, Thou holy 
Lord God Almighty, administer to us then, 
as Thou didst to the dying penitent on the 
cross, an abundant entrance to the Paradise 



94 FAMILY PRAYER. 

above. Lord Jesus^, graciously grant us 
these our humble prayers^ for the sake of 
Thy most precious sufferings and death. 
Amen. 

Easter Prayers and Collects. 

Lord Jesus Christy Almighty God^ and 
victorious Prince^ who hast broken the bands 
of death^ risen from the grave in great 
majesty and glory ^ and become the first- 
fruits of them that slept; we thank Thee for 
Thy blessed sufferings^ death^ and resurrec- 
tion^ all which Thou didst undergo for our 
benefit, and that we might have hope. 
Thou as our true and strong Samson, hast 
lifted up, and broken, the gates of hell, so 
that we might have liberty to come in, and 
go out forever. Thou hast risen from the 
grave, and didst, with mighty power, break 
through the bars of death, as our head and 
shepherd, that we, as the members of Thy 
body, and the sheep of Thy flock, might not 
remain in the grave, but rise also, through 
the power of Thy resurrection, to eternal 
glory. Therefore, with joyful lips would w^e 



FAMILY PRAYER. 95 

praise Thee^ and say: Thanks be to God 
who giveth us the victory, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. We pray Thee; grant that 
Thy blessed resurrection may comfort us^ by 
enablin"g us firmly to believe that Thou hast 
hid all our sins and iniquities deep in Thy 
tomb, so that they will no more come before 
the face of our heavenly Father, nor put us 
to confusion in the day of judgment. Help 
us, finally to conquer all the fear and agony 
of death, through the joyful hope of the re- 
surrection of our bodies ; and when Thou, by 
the voice of the archangel, shalt call the dead 
to come forth, open Thou our graves, and let 
us meet Thee with joy. Then shall we be- 
hold Thy face in gladness, and, as Thy dis- 
ciples after Thy resurrection, so we, in hea- 
ven, shall enjoy sweet and delightful commu- 
nion with thee, and, together with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, praise Thee 
forever. Ameii. 

Christ's Ascension. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who art our Al- 
mighty Lord and God; we thank Thee that, 
after having obtained the victory over all 



96 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Thy enemies^ Thou didst triumphantly as- 
cend to heaven in great majesty^ attended 
by Thy holy angels^ and art seated at the 
right hand of Thy heavenly Father. Thy 
cross and passion ended in Thy triumph- 
ant ascension^ and through death^ didst Thou 
enter into Thy eternal glory. Thou art on 
the shore; we are yet on the stormy sea — 
Thou art enjoying the victory; we are yet 
in the midst of the conflict. grant us 
gracC;, that^ with heart and soul, we may 
look after Thee as Thou ascendest^, so that 
our hearts may be where our treasure is. 
Help us to put the world under our feet^ 
as it was under Thine^ so that by fervent 
prayers^ longing desires, and true faith, we 
may soar upward to Thee on high. We 
believe, and with this faith we greatly 
comfort ourselves, that Thou wilt not leave 
the members of Thy body in the distresses 
of this mortal life, but wilt, finally, when 
we have finished our course, and kept the 
faith, receive us to Thyself, that where the 
Head is, the members may be also. Gladly 
would we be with Thee in our Father s 
house; much rather with Thee, than in 



FAMILY PRAYER. 97 

our present sorrowful pilgrimage. We 
would willingly lay off this earthly taber- 
nacle, for we do groan, earnestly desiring 
to be clothed upon with our house which 
is from heaven, that mortality may be 
swallowed up of life, and we ever be pre- 
sent with Thee. Lord, we wait. But 
until the hour of our departure shall come, 
we would press forward in spirit toward the 
heavens, and our desire shall be w4th Thee, 
who art the joy and the delight of our souls 
forever. Amen, 

For the Holy Coimmmion. 

dearest Lord Jesus, who hast mercifully 
prepared for us a table, at which Thou dost 
impart to us Thy grace and blessing : grant 
that we may come to it wdth hearts well 
prepared to receive Thy benefits. As Thy 
body was broken, and Thy blood was shed 
for the forgiveness of our sins, enable us by 
true faith, to lay hold on the hope of pardon 
and reconciliation with Thee. We are not 
worthy of Thy grace^ or of a place, wdth 
Thee, but Thou art merciful above all that 
9 



98 FAMILY PRAYER. 

we can ask or think. Be graciously pleased 
to heal our wounds^ to soothe our sorrows^ 
and to shed abroad Thy peace in our souls. 
With marvellous kindness and grace Thou 
feedest us with Thyself, ' the true bread of 
life^ and dost quench our deep thirst by giv- 
ing us Thy blood to drink. For such Th}^ 
infinite mercy^ we render Thee our feeble 
praises, and we would give ourselves to Thee 
as a living sacrifice of thanksgiving. We be- 
seech Thee to preserve to us and to Thy en- 
tire holy church, this heavenly grace, and take 
not from us on account of our sins, the pure 
and true sacrament of Thy body and blood. 
Grant that in Thy Holy supper, all heavy- 
laden and weary souls may find comfort and 
strength; and all Thy dying saints obtain 
support and joy in their last hour. May we, 
who, long ago, became Thine, with our body, 
and soul, and spirit, in Holy Baptism, be 
nourished and preserved in Holy commu- 
nion with Thee, by Thy body and blood, and 
may we live not unto ourselves, but unto 
Thee. Yea, Lord, by the power of Thy 
life in us would we live to Thee, by the effi- 
caqy of Thy death in us would we die to 



FAMILY PRATER. 99 

Thee, and by having Thee in us, and by 
being ourselves in Thee, we would at our 
last hour, rise to eternal life, and enter into 
Thy glory. Hallelujali^ Amen. 



Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we 
2i:ive Thee humble and hearty thanks, that 
Thou hast given Thy dear Son to die for us, 
that He might not only bear our sins, and 
make atonement for us on the cross, but that 
He might also give us in His Holy Supper, 
His body to eat, and His blood to drink, unto 
our salvation ; we pray Thee : give us grace 
to put our whole trust in Thy redeeming 
love; and help us always so to come to this 
holy sacrament, that our faith in Him may 
be strengthened; our souls comforted, and we 
be enabled to resist all the assaults of sin 
and death, through the same. Thy dear Son, 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 



Grant us, Lord, we beseech Thee, the 
spirit to think and do always such things as 
are right, that we, who cannot do any thing 



100 FAMILY PRAYER. 

that is good without Thee^ may by Thee^ be 
enabled to live according to Thy will, through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reign- 
eth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, 
forever and ever. Amen. 



Lord God, our heavenly Father, who 
didst send Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ 
into the world, that He might defend and 
protect us in our frailty, from the power and 
assaults of the devil, preserve us, we beseech 
Thee, from all false security; and in all our 
temptations, help us by Thy Holy Spirit, to 
walk according to Thy word, that we may 
never fall into the power of the adversary, 
but in the end, be saved forever, through 
the same, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 

Wliitsiintide Prayer and Collects. 

God, the Holy Ghost, Thou Spirit of wis- 
dom and knowledge, of comfort and might, 
who proceedest from the Father and the Son, 



FAMILY PRAYER. 101 

and didst endow with Thy gifts and powers, 
the first disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
we thank, and praise, and glorify Thee, that 
Thou hast at all times enlightened Thy 
holy Church with Thy heavenly grace, and 
dost continually work in us by Thy holy 
Word, and by Thy blessed sacraments. 
Thou precious Holy Spirit, continue still to 
govern Thy Church, and pour out upon it of 
Thy wonderful gifts and heavenly powers, 
for our salvation, and for a witness to all the 
nations of the world. We poor sinners do 
beseech Thee to dwell among us, to purify 
and enlighten our hearts, that we may grow 
and increase in the faith and knowledge of 
Christ; and that we may live fervent in 
love, patient in suffering, and obedient to 
Thy holy motions in us; and through Thee 
be sanctified and preserved unto everlasting 
life and salvation, w^ho with the Father and 
the Son, livest and reignest, one holy, triune 
God, forever and ever. Amen, 



Lord God, our heavenly Father, who 
didst on the day of Pentecost, pour out Thy 

9* 



102 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Holy Spirit^ according to Thy promise^ upon 
the apostles and first believers, and didst fill 
them with His power; we beseech Thee : 
grant that we may be led by the same Spirit 
into all truth, and evermore rejoice in His 
holy comfort, and be filled with His power, 
through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our 
Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



God, who by the enlightening of the 
Holy Ghost, hast instructed the minds of 
Thy true believers, and hast gathered to 
Thee a holy Christian Church; we pray 
Thee: grant that Thy good Spirit may gra- 
ciously purify our hearts, lead us into all 
truth, give us a holy, courageous spirit, and 
impart to us comfort in every time of need, 
so that Thy Church, experiencing the fulfil- 
ment of the gracious promise of Thy dear 
Son, that the gates of hell shall not prevail 
against it, we may, finally, be delivered from 
all our enemies, obtain the victory over death 
and the grave, and inherit everlasting life, 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



FAMILY PEAYER, 103 

Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, 
we render Thee most humble and hearty 
thanks, that Thou didst so love the world as 
to give Thine only begotten Son to die for 
our sins on the cross; we beseech Thee; 
grant us grace that we may believe and put 
our whole trust in Him; and contmue faith- 
ful to Him even unto the end, so that we 
may not perish, but have everlasting life, 
through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord 
and Saviour. Amen, 



Trinity Prayer and Collects, 

holy triune God, we bless Thee, and 
praise Thee, and give thanks to Thee for 
Thy wonderful grace, that Thou hast made 
known to us the deep and holy mystery of 
Thy most holy nature, and hast through the 
holy Sacrament of Baptism, called and be- 
gotten us again to a true and real life in 
Thee. Ah, Lord, how gracious and merci- 
ful hast Thou been to us poor sinners ! 

almiojhtv Lord God, kind Father in 
heaven, from Thee have we received rich 
streams of grace and blessing; and into Thy 



104 FAMILY PRAYER. 

hand we commit ourselves and all men^ for 
all our future need. We beseech Thee : 
Bless us and keep us^ now^ henceforth^ and 
forever. 

merciful Lord God^ our Saviour Jesus 
Christ; Thou hast given Thy body to 
death on the cross for us^ and didst shed 
Thy blood for the forgiveness of our sins. 
Lord Jesus^ graciously preserve us in Thy 
favor, and gather, more and more, all nations 
around Thy cross. We beseech Thee: Let 
Thy face shine upon us, and be gracious un- 
to us. 

holy Lord God, the Holy Ghost, pro- 
ceeding from the Father and the Son, who 
hast called us into the kingdom of grace, 
and hast in holy Baptism, already begun 
Thy good work in us, we beseech Tiiee: 
Lift up Thy countenance upon us, and give 
us Thy peace. 

holy, almighty, and merciful God, the 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we belong to 
Thee, and Thine would we be, now, and to 
all eternity. Blessed be Thy holy name for- 
ever and ever. Tliy Grace, Lord Jesus 
Christ; Thy Love, God the Father; and 



FAMILY PRAYER. 105 

Thy Communion^, Holy Gliost^ be and re- 
main with us all^ now^ henceforth, and ever- 
more. Amen. 



Ahiiighty and most merciful God, our heav- 
enly Father, we give thanks unto Thee 
that in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, 
Thou didst receive us as Thy children, and 
didst grant us for Christ's sake, forgiveness 
of sins, and everlasting life; w^e pray Thee: 
so rule in us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we 
may never be unmindful of our baptismal 
covenant, but daily renounce every evil way, 
and serve Thee in true holiness, until w^e 
shall be received, at death, into Thy heav- 
enly kingdom, through Jesus Christ, Thy 
Son, who liveth and rei2:neth with Thee 
and the Holy Ghost, one God, forever and 
ever. A7ne7i. 



Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whose 
mercies are new unto us every morning, and 
who, though w^e have in no wise deserved 



106 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Thy goodness^ dost abundantly provide for 
all our wants of body and soul; we pray 
Thee: give us Thy Holy Spirit^ that we 
may heartily acknowledge Thy merciful 
goodness towards us^ give thanks to Thee 
for all Thy benefits, and, being wholly given 
to Thee, serve Thee in true obedience, 
through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our 
Lord. Amen, 

For God's Holy Church. 

Lord God, our heavenly Father, who 
hast sent Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour, into this evil world, to redeem us 
poor sinners, from sin, from death, and from 
the power of the devil; we give Thee 
thanks for this Thy grace; and we praise 
and glorify Thy goodness and mercy, that 
Thou, through the Holy Ghost, hast gather- 
ed to Thyself a church on the earth, and 
hast established it on the true foundation 
and eternal corner-stone, Jesus Christ, Thy 
Son, so that the gates of hell shall not 
prevail against it , and we pray Thee : en- 
able us, with grateful hearts, at all times 



FAMILY PRAYER. 107 

to acknowledge^ and duly to consider this 
Thy grace and mercy ; graciously preserve 
Thy church in the faithful confession of the 
pure doctrines of the Gospel^ and in the 
true use of the sacraments ; and grant that 
it may at last^ triumph over all its enemies, 
and we^ with all Thy true believers and 
saints in heaven^ may praise Thee through- 
out everlasting ages^ through the same^ 
Thy dear Son^, our Lord. Amen. 

Anotlier. 

Lord Jesus Christy, who art the Shep- 
herd of Thy sheep^ and the King of Thy 
redeemed; w^e thank Thee, that^ according 
to Thy great and wonderful mercy. Thou 
hast, through the Holy Ghost, acquired for 
Thyself a people, and hast established Thy 
church in the earth; v/e praise Thee that 
Thou hast always graciously guided and 
governed the same in times of trial and 
persecution, hast comforted it with Thy 
favor and grace, and hast mightily strength- 
ened it in its conflict with the world and 
the devil ; we pray Thee, that Thou wouldst 



108 FAMILY PRAYER. 

continue to preserve it^ and not suffer it to 
perish J even if the gates of hell should rise 
against it. We comfort ourselves with this 
assurance of Thy Avord, and magnify Thy 
goodness and mercy; and we pray Thee, 
that Thou wilt not long delay Thy coming, 
but soon appear according to Thy promise, 
redeem Thy church out of all its distresses, 
give it the victory over all Thy enemies, and 
secure for it everlasting peace and jo}^, 
through Thee, who livest and reignest, with 
the Father and the Holy Ghost, forever and 
ever. Amen. 

For the Pastors of the Church. 

our heavenly Father, Holy God, and 
Lord of the harvest, who didst eive some 
apostles, and some prophets, and some 
pastors and teachers; and didst endue them 
with manifold gifts, that Thy holy church 
might be edified by the preaching of Thy 
w^ord, and the administering of Thy sacra- 
ments; we beseech Thee: preserve all our 
pastors and teachers in purity of doctrine, 
and holiness of life; defend them from the 



FAxMILY PRAYER. 109 

devil and this evil world; and bless and 
give increase to that ^yllich they plant, and 
to that which they water, that we may 
thereby be brought to the glory of Thy ever- 
lasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ, Thy 
dear Son, our Lord. Amen, 

For tlie Pastors of the Church, 

Lord Jesus Christ, who art our ever- 
living High-priest, and the Head of Thy 
church; who when Thou didst ascend on 
high, didst ordain some among Thy servants 
to be apostles, and some prophets, and some 
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 
for the edifying of the body of Christ, till 
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of 
the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a 
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature 
of the fulness of Christ ; for this Thy rich 
grace, we thank and praise Thee; and we 
beseech Thee to be gracious to all faithful 
servants of Thy Church, and teachers of Thy 
word; and bestow upon them. Thy heavenly 
blessing, that they may gain many victories 
over sin, death, hell, the world, and the 
10 



110 FAMILY PRAYER. 

devil; so that all men may confess that the 
true God dwells in Zion. Strengthen them 
in Thy power, that they may be mighty in 
Th}^ wordj may teach it in purity, reprove 
the wicked with faithfulness, admonish the 
erring, and be effectual comforters of those 
that mourn. May they seek the lost sheep 
of Thy fold, bind up the bleeding heart, and 
strengthen those that are weak. Eestrain 
the power of the enemy, that he may not 
sow tares among the wheat. Open our 
hearts to Thy testimonies, and grant us 
grace that we may cheerfully obey the holy 
words which Thou causest to be preached 
unto us. Holy Father, sanctify us by Thy 
truth. Thy word is truth. Keep and defend 
Thy church evermore; and in it, and by 
means of the grace which its ordinances 
convey to our hearts, prepare us for eternal 
life, through Him who loved us, and washed 
us in His blood, Jesus Christ, our Lord and 
Saviour. Ameii. 

For our Pastor. 

eternal and gracious God, our heavenly 
Father, who hast ordained for us our dear 



FAMILY PRAYER. Ill 

pastor, and hast put Thy word into his 
mouth, in order that he may declare it unto 
us; we pray Thee, give him grace that he 
may declare the whole counsel of God, open 
his mouth fearlessly against all error and 
sin, all abuses and disorders, all immorality 
and vice; and grant that he may with joy 
and much success, instruct us in the myste- 
ries of Thy Gospel, announce to us the way 
of salvation, through a crucified Redeemer, 
and remove all delusion from our hearts. 
Keep him in purity of doctrine, piety of 
heart, and holiness of life, that he may go 
before us in the way to heaven. Bless, 
Thou Chief Shepherd of Thy sheep, the 
word and the work of the under shepherds 
of Thy churchy and keep them and us, faith- 
ful in the true faith, and in righteousness of 
life, so that growing in the same, and increas- 
ing in ever}^ Christian grace, we may endure 
to the end, and inherit everlasting salvation, 
through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Allien, 

For Missionai^ies. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who hast commanded 
that Thy word should be preached among 



112 FAMILY PRAYER. 

all nations; we pra}^ Thee: tliat^ according to 
Thy gracious promise, Thou wouldst be with 
all Thy servants whom Thou hast sent forth 
as messengers to the benighted heathen in 
the ends of the earth, to carry out Thy com- 
mand, to bear the light of the Gospel to them 
that sit in darkness. Anoint them all, dear 
Jesus, with the Holy Ghost, that they may 
preach Thy word in simplicity and pureness; 
and richly bless their labors, so that here, 
and in the remotest regions of the world, a 
great and holy people may be prepared for 
Thee, to the honor and glory of Thy name. 
Be Thou, Thj'self. the support and comfort 
of Thy feeble disciples in their difficult call- 
ing, stand by them in all their trials, perse- 
cutions, and discouragements, that the}^ may 
endure to the end ; and finally, may they ob- 
tain the crown of life which Thou hast laid 
up in heaven for Thy faithful people, 
through Thee, their only Lord and Saviour. 
Amen, 

For the Heathen, 

Almighty and eternal God, who hast no 
pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that 



FAMILY PRAYER. 113 

the wicked turn from his way and live; we 
beseech Thee : graciously hear our prayer, 
and deliver the heathen from their abomina- 
ble idolatries ; bring them to faith in Christ, 
and to repentance for their sins ; and gather 
them into Thy holy Christian church, to the 
praise and glory of Thy name, through Jesus 
Clirist, our Lord, who with Thee, and the 
Holy Ghost, livetli and reigneth, the only 
true God, forever and ever. Amen, 

For all ill Autliority. 

Lord God, our heavenly Father, Thou 
King of kings, and Lord of lords ; we come 
devoutly before the throne of Thy majesty, 
and pray Thee for the powers that be, which 
Thou hast ordained for us. Lord, in whose 
hands are the hearts of kings, and who 
leadest them like streams of water, be pleased 
to order at all times, the affairs of our benign 
government according to Thy gracious will. 
Give to all the rulers of the earth, true fiiith 
and scund piety, that they may govern Thy 
people after the dictates of Thj' holy word. 
May the judges whom Thou hast appointed 

10^ 



114 FAMILY PRAYER. 

over us^ judge righteous judgment^, without 
fear or favor. Strengthen them for the diffi- 
cult duties of their office^ and set before their 
minds, daily, the dread of Thy righteous 
judgments, and of the great day in which they 
must give up their account to Thee. Bless 
the President of the United States, his 
Cabinet-counsellors, the members of Con- 
gress, the Governors of our States, the 
members of our State Legislatures, the lead- 
ers of our armies, and all others in authority ; 
and grant them grace to fulfil well the duties 
of the several stations in which they are 
placed, that thereby, Thy name may be more 
and more hallowed. Thy kingdom advanced, 
and Thy Avill be done on earth as it is done 
in heaven, through Jesus Clirist, our Lord. 
Amen. 

For our Children, 

Lord God Ahnighty, the Father of mer- 
cies, who hast with Thy other gifts and bless- 
ings, bestowed upon us children, and hast 
also accepted them as Thy own children, 
when in the holy sacrament of Baptism, we 



FAMILY PRAYER. 115 

brought them to Thee : for these Thy gifts^ 
we bless Thee; and we beseech Thee to hear 
our prayers, as we now come before Thee, 
with our children, to beg Thy gracious help. 
We heartily desire, and fervently pray, 
gracious Father, that not one of these little 
ones should perish. We would do what we 
can, to instruct, admonish, correct, and pray 
for them, that they may be reared to Thy 
glory; but Lord, we beseech Thee to do 
for them what we cannot do. Let Thy hea- 
venly benediction rest upon them; keep 
them in Thy fear; and suffer no sin to be on 
their consciences. Give them believing, 
humble, obedient, and pious hearts, that as 
they grow in age, they, like Thy holy child 
Jesus, may grow in wisdom and in favor 
with God and man. let our children be 
devout in their prayers, well grounded in 
their religion, steadfast in their faith, chaste 
in their lives, and godly in all the disposi- 
tions of their hearts. Preserve them from 
the temptations that surround them, and 
may they, by the gracious influence of the 
Holy Ghost, always cherish the remembrance 
of Thy presence with them. gracious God, 



116 FAMILY PRAYER. 

hear the cry of our children when they call 
upon Thee m distress; guard them from 
danger^ and preserve them from all evil^ for 
Thy name's sake. Grant them Thy peace; 
let the light of Thy countenance shine upon 
them^, that they may walk in Thy light. Be 
pleased also to provide for their bodily com- 
fort; grant them suitable food and raiment; 
and deal with them as their Almighty and 
gracious Father. Be their deliverer from 
perilj and the healer of their sicknesses. 
Behold, we commit them into Thy hands. 
They are Thine own children. Do with 
them in all things according to Thy good 
pleasure. If Thou wilt mercifully spare 
them to us, may their hearts and their lives 
be ruled by Thy grace; and if Thou shouldst, 
at any time, take them from us, grant us 
patient submission to Thy will, the consola- 
tions of Thj^ word, and especially, the com- 
fortable assurance that they are happy with 
Thee in Thy Kingdom of glory. Behold, 
our children are Thine. In mercy hast 
Thou given them to us, and in return, Ave 
would devote them as a thank-offering to 
Thee. Graciously accept us and our child- 



FAMILY PRAYER. 117 

i 

ren; and at the last day, may we stand 
together at Thy right hand, and be enabled 
to say to the glory of Thy grace. Behold 
here are we, and the children which Thou 
hast given us, and none of them is lost. 
Mercifully grant these our prayers, we 
humbly beseech Thee, through Thy dear 
Son^ Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 

For the Children of the Church. 

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will 
it is that not one of these little ones should 
perish, but who hast sent Thy only Son to 
seek and to save that which was lost, and 
hast given commandment through the same, 
to suffer little children to come unto Thee, 
and to forbid them not, for of such is the 
Kingdom of Heaven; we heartily beseech 
Thee, that Thou wouldst so bless and govern 
the children of the church by Thy Holy 
Spirit, that they may grow in grace, and in 
the knowledge of Thy word; and that Thou 
wilt be graciously pleased to protect and de- 
fend them against all danger and harm, 
giving Thy holy angels charge over them, so 



118 FAMILY PRAYER. 

that they may remain Thine forever^ for 
the sake of Jesus Christy Thy dear Son^ our 
Lord. Amen. 

For Peace in the Family. 

Lord Jesus Christy who dost at all times 
willingly enter into the houses of the poor^ 
and Avho didst^ aforetime, tarry in the house 
of Zaccheus, and didst say: To-day is salva- 
tion come to this house; we pray Thee that 
Thou wouldst also come in to us, and abide 
with us in peace and joy, as our guest; that 
thereby, to our house also, salvation may 
come. Yea, come. Lord Jesus, and grant, 
what this evil world can never give. Thy 
sacred peace. See how much disquietude 
and sorrow; how much hatred and malice ; 
how much strife and contention, exist in the 
world; therefore, we beseech Thee; grant 
us Thy grace, that in this house, we may 
always have the true peace of God. So 
rule among us with Thy own loving and 
gentle Spirit, that, at all times, in true love 
and concord, we may be obedient to Thee, 
and may serve one another, to the praise of 



FAMILY PRAYER. 119 

Thy holy name. Preserve us from all 
thoughts and words of hatred and discord ; 
and unite us together, now, and always, in 
the bonds of Thy own eternal, marvellous 
love. Thou Prince of peace, grant us 
these prayers, for Thy great mercy's sake. 
Ameii. 

For Peace, 

Lord God of Sabaoth, grant that quiet- 
ness, harmony, and peace, may dwell in our 
hearts, in our churches, in our land, in our 
families; and take us, in the hour of death, 
to the quiet and peaceful abodes of everlast- 
ing joy and felicity, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen, 

Another, 

Almighty and everlasting God, the King 
of glory, and Lord of heaven and earth, by 
whose Spirit all things are governed; by 
whose providence all things are ordered ; 
who art the God of Peace, and the author of 
all concord; forgive uS; we beseech Thee, 



120 FAMILY PRAYER. 

our sins^ and grant us Thy heavenly peace 
and concord^ that we may serve Thee with 
fear and trembling, to the honor and glory 
of Thy name, through Jesus Christy Thy 
Son, our Lord. Amen. 

For Help in Trouble, 

Lord God, our heavenly Father, who 
dost see good to visit us with afflictions and 
trials in the present world, for our profit, 
but dost mercifully promise everlasting com- 
fort and joy in the world to come, to those 
who believe in Thee; grant Thy Holy Spirit 
that Ave may be duly sensible of this Thy 
fatherly correction, and not despair in our 
tribulations, but patiently look for Thy mer- 
ciful help ; and being always mindful of the 
joys of the blessed life eternal, may comfort 
ourselves with the same, through Jesus 
Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen, 

For Faith, 

Lord Jesus Christ, who art the author 
and the finisher of our faith j by whom is 



FAMILY PRAYER. 121 

given to those that hear Thy word^ the pure 
and precious grace of Christian faith, and 
hearty trust in Thy name; we thank Thee, 
that Thou hast enkindled this holy light in 
our hearts, and hast given us grace, that 
we also, although in weakness, yet with a 
true and humble confidence, have put all our 
trust in Thee. Dear Saviour, preserve, and 
increase in us, our faith. We believe, 
help Thou our unbelief. Remove our doubts 
and fears, and grant that our minds may be 
wholly stayed on Thee. Break not the 
bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, 
but from weakness may we steadily increase 
in strength, so that we may always hold Thee 
fast with believing hearts, confide with hearty 
trust in Thy promises, rejoice continually 
in Thy heavenly gifts, have great comfort 
and peace in Thy salvation, and desire daily 
to enjoy devout communion and fellowship 
with Thee, until we come to Thy everlasting 
kingdom, through Thee, who livest and reign- 
est, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one 
God, world without end. Amen. 
11 



122 FAMILY PRAYER. 

For Ilcliness. 

Almighty Gocl^ who art righteous in all 
Thy Avays^ and holy in all Thy works^ and 
who requirest us to be holy as Thou art 
holy; we beseeeh Thee: grant us Thy Holy 
Spirit, that we may subdue all the sinful 
passions of our nature, have the same mind 
in us that was in Jesus, and daily increase 
in holiness of heart and righteousness of life, 
through Thy dear Son our Saviour. Amen, 

For Perseverance in Grace. 

Christ, Thou Son of David, who art our 
good and gracious Lord; w^e pray Thee; ac- 
cept us in Thy great merc}^, and cast us not 
away from Th}^ presence. Thou didst cre- 
ate us when yet we w^ere nothing; Thou 
didst redeem us when we were lost and ru- 
ined. Yea, when we were condemned to 
death, Thou didst yield Thyself to death, in 
order to save us. Thou didst love us more 
than Thyself, for Thou didst shed Thy blood, 
and offer up Thy life, as the precious price of 
our redemption. Therefore, keep us, good 



FAMILY PRAYER. 12 



Q 



Lord; under Thy care^ and in Thy Love and 
favor. Let Thy mercy be greater than our 
sins; and perfect^ by Thy grace, that which 
Thy grace hath begun in us, through Thee, 
who livest and reignest with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, one God, world without 
end. Amen, 

For Faith and a Ooclly Life. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, grant 
us, we beseech Thee, a steadfast faith in 
Jesus Christ; a cheerful hope in Thy mercy, 
against all the wickedness of our sinful con- 
science; and a sincere love to Thee, and to 
all our fellow-men, for the sake of Jesus 
Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen, 

For Meekness, 

Lord Jesus Christ, who wast meek and 
lowly of heart, and when Thou wast reviled, 
reviled not again, we pray Thee: grant us 
Thy Holy Spirit, that, like Thee, we too 
may love our enemies, bless them that curse 
us, do good to them that hate us, and pray 
for them that despitefuUy use us and perse- 



124 FAMILY PRAYER. 

cute uSj SO that we may be the children of 
our heavenly Father^ possess our souls in 
peace and quietness^ and^ in the end^ inherit 
everlasting life^ through Thee, who with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reign- 
est; one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

For Gentleness. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who wast mild and 
gentle towards all men; we pray Thee: 
grant unto us Thy Holy Spirit, that Ave may 
learn of Thee, that wisdom which is from 
above, and which is first pure, then peace- 
able, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of 
mercy and good fruits; and that we may put 
away from us all bitterness, and wrath, and 
anger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, with 
all malice ; and may be kind one to another, 
tender-hearted, and ready to forgive one 
another, even as Thou, in great compassion, 
hast forgiven us, so that, being no longer the 
servants of our sinful passions, but being 
made free from them, we may have our fruit 
unto holiness, and the end everlasting life, 
through Thee, who with the Father and the 



FAMILY PRAYER. 125 

Holy Ghost livest and reignest^ forever and 
ever. Amen, 

^ For the People, 

Lord God of Sabaoth^ be Avith us as 
Thou wast with our fathers; forsake us not, 
neither withdraw Thy hand from us; incline 
our hearts to Thee^ that we may w^alk in 
Thy wayS; and observe Thy laws^ precepts 
and ordinances^ which Thou didst reveal to 
our fathers; grant times of peace to us 
and to our posterity; vouchsafe unto us Thy 
mercy ; and give us grace that we^ and our 
children after us^ may be delivered from all 
evil^ both of the body and the soul^ through 
Jesus Christy Thy dear Son, oar Lord. 
Amen, 

For the Country. 

Almighty God, v>dio art Lord of lieaven 
and earth; we commend to Thy fatherly 
care and protection^ our beloved land^ and 
in particular, this community; and we pray 
Thee to pour out upon the same^ of the ful- 
ness of Thy blessing. Grant unto us con- 



126 FAMILY PRAYER. 

tinned peace and concord^ so that the pro- 
gress of Thy kingdom among us^ may not be 
hindered^ nor reproach be brought upon Tliy 
Holy name, by our dissensions and strife. 
Vouchsafe to us, at all times^ a good Christ- 
ian government^ and replenish with Thy 
Holy Spirit^ the President of the United 
States^ and all others in authority over us, 
and grant them wisdom, righteousness^ and 
sound discretion, that they may always ad- 
minister the affairs of their office to Thy 
glory, and so as to promote the temporal and 
eternal happiness of all classes of the people. 
If our land should suffer the calamity of war, 
grant us the victory over all our enemies; 
be Thou the leader of our armies, the pro- 
tector of those who may do battle for the 
constitution of our country, and the Union 
and safety of these states; defend our soldiers 
from the hazards of battle, from sickness and 
death, and from all sin and temj)tation; be 
with those who shall fall on the field, or die 
in the camp, or at their homes; comfort and 
provide for their families ; be with all sick 
and wounded soldiers^ and all prisoners, and 
comfort and deliver them; arrest speedily, 



FAMILY PRAYER. 127 

the horrors of war, and restore the blessings 
of peace. Mercifully favor us with all the 
necessary good things of this life ; and let 
Thy blessing rest upon our churches and 
schools, the government and the people, the 
gardens and the fields. In particular, bless 
this land, and this community especially, 
with Thy pure word and gospel; and may 
we be as a garden of beauty, and like foun- 
tains of water, whose streams make glad the 
earth. may it be said to the praise of 
this land, now, and in all future time, that 
here Thou hast taken up Thy abode; that 
Thou hast chosen it for Thyself, and dost 
keep it as the dwelling-place of Thy people. 
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou King of the 
whole world, hear us, and despise not our 
prayer, which we offer up in Thy name. 
Amen, 

In time of great Sickness and Mortality, 

Almighty and most merciful God, our 
heavenly Father, we, thine erring children, 
do humbly confess unto Thee, that we have 
justly deserved the chastening which, for our 



128 FAMILY FKAYER. 

sinSj Thou hast sent upon us, but we entreat 
Thee^ that of Thy boundless goodness and 
mercy. Thou wouldest bring us to true re- 
pentance, graciously forgive our sins, and re- 
move from us, or lighten, our deserved pun- 
ishment; and grant, that, as obedient child- 
ren, we may be subject to Thy will; and if 
it be Thy pleasure, bear our afllictions in 
patience, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen, 

In time of Trouble, 

Lord Jesus Ciirist, Thou Comforter and 
Helper of all theui that are in trouble, as we, 
by reason of our sins and infiruiities, are 
subject to many diseases and sulferings, we 
pray Thee: give us steadfast faith, that in 
all our sufterings and tribulations, we may 
take refuge in Thee, and, experiencing Thy 
help, may give thanks, now and evemore, 
unto Thee, who with the Father and the 
Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, 
forever and ever. Amo). 

For Ihdil;/ and Sjnrltnal Blessings, 
AlniiLi'htv God, our heaveulv Father, wlu) 



FAMILY PRAYER. 129 

by the word of Thy power dost create and 
uphold all things, and from whom all the bless- 
ings of this life do come; we beseech Thee: 
make known unto us Thine eternal Word, 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and implant Ilim in 
our hearts, to the end that by His grace, we 
may be made worthy to receive Thy divine 
blessing upon the fruits of the earth, and 
upon all that pertains to our bodily wants, 
and may employ all Thy gifts to the praise 
of Thy name, and the good of our fellow- 
men, through the same, our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who livetli and reigneth with Thee, 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world with- 
out end. Amoi. 

For a Sick Person. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in 
whose hand are our health and life; who 
maketh sore and bindeth up, who killeth 
and maketh alive, and who hath given us 
by Thy servant David, the gracious promise, 
Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I 
will deliver thee; and also hy Thy dear Son, 
our Lord, If two of you shall agree on earth 
as touching any thing that tliej^ shall ask, it 



130 FAMILY PRAYER. 

shall be done for them; we pray Thee^ dear- 
est Father, for this sick person here present 
{01% for our dear sick father, mother, brother, 
sister, son, daughter, friend N. N., as the 
case may be)^ that Thou wouldst be gra- 
cious unto him (or her), and before all, 
grant him (or her) the forgiveness of all his 
(or her) sins, for with Thee is mercy and 
plenteous redemj)tion. Comfort the sick, in 
tlie true faith of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. 
And if it may be Thy divine and gracious 
will, and for Thy glorj^, and for his (or her) 
best good, grant him (or her) also, restora- 
tion to bodily health, for Thou art almighty. 
But if, dear Lord, it shall otherwise please 
Thee, and Thou wilt take away his (or her) 
life, and call him (or her) home, we beseech 
Thee to keep and strengthen him (or her) 
in body and soul, against all perilous temp- 
tations, alleviate his (or her) pains, and 
shorten his (or her) sufferings; and grant 
that in the end, he (or she) may depart in 
Thy peace, and rest in Thy bosom. May 
his (or her) last day on earth be the first in 
Thy heavenly kingdom, through Thy dear 
Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name he (or she) 



FAMILY PRAYER. 131 

is baptized^ and wh^se blood has atoned for 
all his (or her) sins. Amen. 

For Favorable Weatlier, 

God^ our heavenly Father^ who art 
gracious and merciful^ and who hast promised 
through Thy Son^ that Thou wouldst in 
mercy remember us in every time of need ; 
we beseech Thee^ not to regard our trans- 
gressionS;, but our need^ and Thy goodness; 
and send favorable weather, that by Thy 
goodness, we may receive our daily bread, 
and acknowledge and give thanks unto 
Thee, most gracious God, who livest and 
reignest with Thy Son, our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, 
world without end. Amen, 

For a Blessing upon our Business. 

Almighty God, who hast appointed us 
to the duties of our several earthly callings, 
at the same time that Thou requirest us to 
lay up our treasures in heaven; and hast by 
Thy Holy Apostle, directed us to be diligent 
in business, as well as fervent in spirit; we 



132 FAMILY PRAYER. 

pray Thee, so to endue us with Thy grace, 
that we may undertake nothing that is dis- 
pleasing to Thee, or contrary to Thy wall ; 
grant Thy blessing upon the labor of our 
minds and hands; prosper our lawful busi- 
ness; defend us from all calamity by fire or 
w^ater, by the malice or mistakes of men, or 
by the error of our own judgment; and 
enable us to use our possessions temperately, 
and to employ our property to the glory of 
Thy name, the advancement of Thy churcli, 
and the good of our fellow-men<, through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Evening Prayer. 

We thank Thee, dear Lord and Saviour, 
that Thou hast mercifully preserved us this 
day, in body and soul, from all evil and 
danger; and we beseech Thee, for the sake 
of Thy most precious blood; graciously to 
forgive whatsoever we may, in thought or 
word, this day, have sinned against Thy 
holy law. In all our fears, we fly to Thee, 
for in Thee alone, do we find peace and rest. 
May we repose safely, this night, under Thy 
Almighty wings, so that the adversary may 



FAMILY PRAYER. 133 

not be able to come near iis^ nor any evil 
befall us. Set Thy holy angels to watch at 
the threshold of our house^ and at the door 
of our chambers, that Ave may rest, safe from 
all peril; and come Thyself, with Thy 
blessed peace, into our souls, that therein we 
may be still. Refresh our tired limbs, and 
weary minds, by the sleep of the night, and 
let us awake with the new day, to anew life 
in Thee, our Lord and Saviour, who with 
the Father and the Holy Ghost, art blessed 
forever. Ame7i. 

Aiiotlier. 

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank and praise 
Thee, that, for our sakes. Thou didst take 
upon Thyself our nature, and didst endure 
manifold griefs and sorrows in order to com- 
fort and save us. We most heartily thank 
Thee for Thy painful sufferings, for Thy 
stripes and wounds, for all the drops of blood 
Thou shedst, and for the ignominious death 
Thou didst die, that Thou mightest redeem 
us, poor miserable sinners, from the wrath 
of God, and from everlasting death. We 
pray Thee, dearest Lord Jesus; suffer not 

12 



134 FAMILY PRAYER, 

Thy bitter agony and death to have been 
endured for us in vain ; but grant that 
through the propitiation Thou didst thereby 
make for us^ we may obtain the forgive- 
ness of sinSj and the crown of everlasting 
life. As we now lie down to rest^ we com- 
mend ourselves and our loved ones^ together 
with all Thy saints, to thy faithful protection 
and care. Take us, and all that love Thee, 
into Thy arms, and to Thy bosom, and let 
us joyfully rest in Thee. Give, this night, 
comfort to all that weep, rest to all that are 
heavy-laden, peace to all that are disturbed, 
soothing slumber to the sick ; and the hope 
of a glorious resurrection to the dying. Dear 
Jesus, in Thee alone is everlasting rest. 
This night we come to Thee; and to Thee 
would we also come when the evening of 
our life draws near, that in Thee, we may 
peacefully fall asleep, and awake in everlast- 
ing joy and felicity to the praise and glory 
of Thy grace. Amen, 

Prayers for Evening. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, from 
whom cometh every good and perfect gift ; 



FAMILY PRAYER. 135 

we raise our souls to Thee^ entreating Thee 
to keep us continually under Thj care. If 
it seem good in Tiiy sights grant us the bless- 
ing of quiet sleep^ that we may arise in the 
morning in healthy to labor in Thy service, 
and to live in Thy fear. Let it please Thee 
to lift up the light of Thy countenance upon 
us, and to give us peace, now and evermore. 
Amen. 



Into Thy hands we commend ourselves, 
Lord and Keeper of Israel. Keep us, we 
pray Thee, from the terrors and darkness of 
the night, and preserve us from all evil. Keep 
us mindful of the vanity of life, the certain- 
ty of death, and the solemnity of the judg- 
ment to come; and prepare us for a happy 
end of our days, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord and Saviour, to whom, with Thee and 
the Holy Ghost, be all blessing and honor, 
forever and ever. Amen, 

Luther s Evening Prayer, 

We give thanks unto Thee, our heaven- 
ly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thv dear 



136 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Son, for having graciously protected us du- 
ring the past day. And we beseech Thee : 
forgive us all our transgressions, whereby 
Ave have sinned against Thee, and protect 
us graciously this night; for into Thy 
hands we commend our bodies, and souls, 
and all things. Give Thy holy angel charge 
concerning us, that the adversary may have 
no power over us. Amen. 

For Preservation during the Night, 

Almighty God, the Keeper of Israel, who 
neither slumberest nor sleepest; we pray 
Thee to continue Thy favors toward us by 
watching over us this night. May we go to 
our beds in peace with Thee, and with all 
mankind. Keep us by Thy grace from all 
impurity of thought or deed, and defend us 
by Thy power, from all disquietude and 
danger. Grant us moderate and refreshing 
sleep, such as may fit us for the duties of the 
coming day. And make us ever mindful, 
Lord, of the time when we shall lie down 
in the dust. Because we know neither the 
day nor the hour when we shall go hence, 
give us grace to be at all times ready, and 



FAMILY PRAYER. 137 

to live in such peace with Thee^ that we may 
never fear to die. Whether we live^ may 
we hve unto the Lord^ or whether we die, 
may we die unto the Lord, so that Hving or 
dying Ave may be Thine, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Short Eveniiig Prayer. 

Strip from us, Lord, all the garments 
of iniquity, all selfishness, pride, vanity, and 
evil desires, and help us to remember, that 
soon, we shall put off this mortal body, to 
appear naked before the judgment seat of 
Christ. Amen. 



In the name of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, and in the keeping of God and 
His holy angels, we lay us down to rest. 
Whether we shall rise, or shall not ris3 
again, may He bless, protect, and preserve 
us unto everlasting life. Amen. 



At midnight, Lord, Thou didst fill Thy 
servants David, Paul, and Silas, with Thy 

12* 



138 FAMILY PRAYER. 

Spirit, and didst enable them to sing praises 
unto Thee; help us also to think of Thee with 
gladness^ upon our bed^, and to rejoice in 
Thy good presence with us forever. Allien. 

Evening Prayer, 

Father, Most merciful God^ who art of 
purer eyes than to behold iniquity^ and 
hast promised forgiveness to all those who 
confess and forsake their sins; We come 
before Thee in an humble sense of our own 
unworthiness^ acknowledging our manifold 
transgressions of Thy righteous laws. But^ 
gracious Father, who desirest not the 
death of a sinner^ look upon us^ we beseech 
Thee, in mercy, and forgive us all our trans- 
gressions. Make us deeply sensible of the 
great evil of them, and work in us an hearty 
contrition, that we may obtain forgiveness 
at Thy hands, who art ever ready to receive 
humble and penitent sinners, for the sake of 
Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and 
Redeemer. 

Family, Amen. 

Father, And lest, through our own frailty, 
or the temptations which encompass us, we 



FAMILY PRAYER. 139 

be drawn again into sin^ vouchsafe us^ we 
beseech Thee, the direction and assistance 
of Tlij Holy Spirit. Eeform whatever is 
amiss in the temper and disposition of our 
soulSj that no unclean thoughts, unlawful 
designs, or inordinate desires, may rest there. 
Purge^ our hearts from envy, hatred, and 
malice, that we may never suffer the sun to 
go down upon our wrath, but may always go 
to our rest in peace^ charity, and good will; 
with a conscience void of offence towards 
Thee, and towards men: that so, we may 
be preserved pure and blameless unto the 
coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 

Family, Amen. 

Father, And accept, Lord, our interces- 
sions for all mankind. Let the light of Thy Gos- 
pel shine upon all nations ; and may as many 
as have received it, live as becomes it. Be 
gracious unto Thy Church; grant that every 
member of the same, in his vocation and min- 
istry, may serve Thee faithfully. Bless all in 
authority over us, and so rule their hearts, 
and strengthen their hands, that they may 
punish wickedness and vice, and maintain 



140 FAMILY PRxVYER. 

Thy true religion and virtne. Send down 
Thy blessings, temporal and spiritual, upon 
all our relations, friends^ and neighbors. 
Reward all who have done us good, and par- 
don all those who have done or wdsh us evil, 
and give them repentance, and better minds. 
Be merciful to all who are in any trouble, 
and do Thou, God of pity, administer to 
them according to their several necessities, 
for His sake who went about doing good, Thy 
Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Family. Amen. 

Father, To our prayers, Lord, we join 
our unfeigned thanks, for all Thy mercies, for 
our being, our reason, and all other endow- 
ments and faculties of soul and body; for our 
health, friends, food and raiment, and all 
other comforts, and conveniences of life. 
Above all, we adore Thy mercy in sending 
Thy only Son into the world, to redeem us 
from sin, and eternal death, and in giving us 
the knowledge and sense of our duty towards 
Thee. We bless Thee for Thy patience with 
us notwithstanding our ma,ny and great pro- 
vocations ; for all the directions, assistances, 
and comforts of Thy Holy Spirit; for Thy 



FAMILY PRATER. 141 

continual care and watchful providence over 
us through the whole course of our lives, and 
particularly, for the mercies and benefits of 
the past dvay ; beseeching Thee to continue 
these Thy blessings to us, and to give us grace 
to show our thankfulness in a sincere obedi- 
ence to His laws, through whose merits and 
intercession we receive them all. Thy Son, our 
Saviour Jesus Christ. 

FamiJij, Amen. 

Fatlier, In particular, we beseech Thee to 
continue Thy gracious protection to us this 
ni2:ht. Defend us from all dan^rers and mis- 
chiefs, and from the fear of them, that we 
may enjoy such refreshing sleep as may fit 
us for the duties of the following day. Make 
us ever mindful of the time when we shall 
lie down in the dust, and grant us grace al- 
ways to live in such a state, that we may 
never be afraid to die, so that living or dying 
we may be Thine, through the merits and 
satisfaction of Thv Son Jesus Christ, in whose 

4./ / 

name we offer up these our imperfect prayers. 
Father and Family, Amen. 



142 FAMILY PRAYER. 

For the Forgiveness of Sin. 

Lord God^ Father of eternity ^ be merci- 
ful to uSj miserable sinners. 

Christy the Saviour and Consolation of 
the world, deliver us from all our sins. 

God, the Holy Ghost, give us above all 
things, wisdom, and faith, and love. Grant 
us the righteousness of God, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

Amen. 

Evening Sentence. 

Lord abide w^ith us for it is toward 
evening, and the day is far spent. 

Abide with us, and with Thy Church uni- 
versal. 

Abide with us in the evening of the day, 
in the evening of life, 
in the evening of the world. 

Abide with us with Thy grace and mercy, 
with Thy word and sacraments, 
with Thy comfort and blessing. 

Abide with us at the coming 

of the night of anguish and trouble, 
of the night of doubt and temptation, 
of the night of the agony of death. 



FAMILY PRAYER. 143 

Abide with us^ and with all that believe 
in Thee, 

in life and in death^ 
in time and in eternity, 
in earth and in heaven. 
Amen. 

Child's Morning Prayer. 

Again I wake and see the light, 
For God hath kept me through the night ; 
To Him I lift my voice and pray, 
That God would keep me through the day. 

Amen. 

GhilcVs Evening Prayer. 

Now 1 lay me down to sleep, 

I pray the Lord my soul to keep ; 

If I should die before I wake , 

I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen. 

Grace at Meat. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we 
thank Thee for the food which Thou hast set 



144 FAMILY PRAYER. 

before us ; and we pray Thee^ attend with 
Thy blessing whilst we partake of it^ through 
Jesus Christy our Lord. Amen, 



Or 



Almighty God^ may the food which Thou 
hast provided for us, nourish and refresh our 
bodies, and may we receive it with grateful 
hearts, for Christ's sake. Amen. 

Or, 

Lord, we thank Thee for our daily bread. 
May it strengthen and refresh our bodies. 
And we pray Thee, nourish our souls, at the 
same time, with Thy heavenly grace, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



HYMNS. 



^Imm in (BxuUx0. 

Glory be to | God on | high; 

And on earth, | peace, good | will towards | men. 

We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we | worship | Thee. 
We glorify Thee, we give thanks to | Thee for j Thy 
great | glory. 

Lord God, | heavenly | King. 
God the I Father | Al | mighty. 

Lord, the only begotten Son, | Jesus | Christ; 
Lord God, Lamb of | God, Son | of the | Father. 

That takest away the | sins .. of the | world, 
Have mercy up | on | us. 

Thou that takest away the | sins. . of the | world, 
Have mercy up | on | us. 

Thou that takest away the | sins . . of the | world^ 
Re-ceive — | our — | prayer. 

Thou that sittest at the right hand of | God the | Father 
Have I mercy | upon | us. 

For Thou | only art | Holy; || Thou | only | art the | Lord. 

Thou only, Christ, with the | Holy | Ghost, 1 1 art most 

high in the | glory of | God the | Father. 1 1 A-men, 

13 145 



146 HYMNS. 

1 P0t|]tit9. L. M. 

1. Awake, my soul, and with the sun 
Thy daily stage of duty run ; 
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise 
To pay thy morning sacrifice. 

2. Lord ! I my vows to Thee renew: 
Disperse my sins as morning dew; 
Guard my first springs of thought and will, 
And with Thyself my spirit fill. 

3. Direct^ control, suggest this day, 
All I design to do or say; 

That all my pow'rs, with all their might, 
In Thy sole glory may unite. 

4. All praise to Thee, who safe hast kept. 
And hast refreshed me while I slept ! 
G-rant^ Lord, when I from death shall wake, 
I may of endlesss light partake. 

2 |tt0tmiig* L. M, 

1. Arise, my soul^ with rapture rise! 

And, fill'd with love and fear, adore 
The awful Sovereign of the skies. 

Whose mercy lends me one day more. 

' 2. And may this day, indulgent Power ! 
Not idly pass, nor fruitless be; 
But may each swiftly flying hour 
Still nearer bring my soul to Thee ! 



HYMNS. 147 

3. I fain would serve Thee all my days, 

And may my zeal with years increase ; 
For pleasant, Lord, are all Thy wajs ; 
And all Thy paths are paths of peace. 

3 P^rning. S. M. 

1. See how the rising sun 

Pursues his shining way, 
And wide proclaims his Maker's praise, 
With ev'ry brightening ray. 

2. Thus would my rising soul 

Its heav'nly parent sing, 
And to its great original 
The humble tribute bring. 

3. Serene I laid me down 

Beneath His guardian care; 
I slept, and I awoke, and found 
My kind Preserver near. 

4. Oh I how shall I repay 

The bounties of my Grod ? 

This feeble spirit pants beneath 

The pleasing, painful load. 

5. Dear Saviour ! to Thy cross 

I bring my sacrifice ; 
By Thee perfum'd, it shall ascend 
With fragrance to the skies. 

6. My life I would anew 

Devote, Lord, to Thee, 



148 hym:n^s. 

And in Thy blessed presence spend, 
A long eternity. 

1. In sleep's serene oblivion laid, 

I safely pass'd the silent night; 
Again I see the breaking shade, 
I drink again the morning light. 

2. New born, T bless the waking hour. 

Once more, with awe, rejoice to be; 
My conscious soul resumes her pow'r 

And springs, my guardian God, to Thee ! 

3. Oh! guide me through the various maze 

My doubtful feet are doomed to tread; 

And spread Thy shield's protecting blaze 

Where dangers press around my head. 

4. A deeper shade shall soon impend, 

A deeper sleep my eyes oppress; 
Yet then Thy strength shall still defend, 
Thy goodness still delight to bless. 

5. That deeper shade shall break away, 

That deeper sleep shall leave mine eyes; 
Thy light shall give eternal day; 
Thy lovC; the raptures of the skies. 

5 #ill^5llll0- L. M, 

1. G-lory to Thee, my God, this night. 
For all the blessings of the light; 



HYMNS. 149 

Keep me, keep me; King of kings^ 
Under Thine own Almighty wings. 

2. Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, 
The ills that I this day have done ; 
That with the world, myself, and Thee, 
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. 

3. Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed; 
Teach me to die, that so I may 
With joy behold the judgment day. 

4. Lord, let my soul forever share 
The bliss of Thy paternal care ; 

^Tis heav'n on earth, 'tis heaven above 
To see Thy face and sing Thy love. 

6 ©iJ^mttg* C. M. 

1. Dread Sovereign, let my evening song 

Like holy incense rise ! 
Assist the offerings of my tongue 
To reach the lofty skies. 

2. Through all the dangers of the day 

Thy hand was still my guard; 
And still to drive my wants away, 
Thy mercy stood prepared. 

3. Perpetual blessings from above 

Encompass me around; 
But, 1 how few returns of love 
H^th my Creator found ! 
13* 



150 HYMNS. 

4. Lord ! with this guilty heart of mine, 

To Thy dear cross I flee ; 
And to Thy grace my soul resign, 
To be reuew'd by Thee. 

5. Sprinkled afresh with pard'ning blood, 

I lay me down to rest, 
As in th' embraces of my God, 
Or on my Saviour's breast. 



CM. 



1. Lord! Thou wilt hear me when I pray, 

I am forever Thine : 
I fear before Thee all the day, 
Nor would I dare to sin. 

2. And while I rest my weary head, 

From cares and business free ; 
'Tis sweet conversing on my bed 
With my own heart and Thee. 

3. I pay this ev'ning's sacrifice, 

And when my work is done, 
Great God! my faith and hope relies 
Upon Thy grace alone. 

4. ThuS; with my thoughts composed to peace, 

I'll give mine eyes to sleep; 
Thy hand in safety keeps my days, 
And will my slumbers keep I 



HYMNS. 151 



8 €vmms. L. M, 

1. Thus far the Lord has led me on; 

Thus far His pow'r prolongs my days : 
And ev^ry ev'ning shall make known 
Some fresh memorial of His grace. 

2. Much of my time has run to waste. 

And I, perhaps, am near my liome; 
But He forgives my follies past, 
And strength supplies for days to come. 

3. I lay my body down to sleep; 

Peace is the pillow of my head; 
His ever watchful eye will keep, 
Its constant guard around my bed. 

4. Faith in His name forbids my fear; 

Oh may Thy presence ne'er depart ! 
And in the morning may I bear 
Thy loving-kindness on my heart ! 

9 &Mmvi§. 8s & 7s. 

1. Saviour, breathe an evening blessing, 

Ere repose our spirits seal; 
Sin and want we come confessing, 

Thou canst save, and Thou canst heal. 

2. Thougli destruction walk around us, 

Though the arrows past us fly; 
Ano;el guards from Thee surround us; 
We are safe if Thou art nigh. 



152 HYMNS. 

8. Tliougli the niglit be dark and dreary, 
Darkness cannot hide from Thee; 
Thou art He, who, never weary, 
Watchest where Thy people be. 

4. Should swift death this night overtake us, 
And command us to the tomb, 
May the morn in heaven awake uS; 
Clad in bright eternal bloom. 

10 ttiM^^ ®'iujeiiiwfl W^^^* 8s & 7s. 

1. Jesus^ tender Shepherd, hear us ; 

Bless Thy little lamb, to-night ; 
Through the darkness be Thou near us ; 
Keep us safe till morning light 

2. All this day Thy hand has led us. 

And we thank Thee for thy care ; 
Kindly Thou hast clothed and fed us ; 
Listen to our evening prayer. 

3. May our sins be all forgiven ; 

Bless the friends we love so well ; 
Take us, when we die, to heaven, 
Happy there with Thee to dwell. 

1 1 ^MV (?5wMm«* C. M. 

1. that the Lord would guide my ways. 
To keep His statutes still ! 
that my Grod would grant me grace 
To know and do His will. 



HYMNS. 153 

2. Order my footsteps by Thy word, 

And make my heart sincere ; 
Let sin have no dominion^ Lord, 
But keep my conscience clear. 

3. Assist my soul, too apt to stray, 

A stricter watch to keep; 
And, should I e'er forget Thy way, 
Eestore thy wandering sheep. 

4. Make me to walk in Thy commands, 

^Tis a delightful road ; 
Nor let my head^ or heart, or hands, 
Offend against my God. 

12 §%f%u &xn&MU. C. M. 

1. O God of Jacob, by whose hand 

Thy people still are fed ; 
Who, through this weary pilgrimage 
Hast all our fathers led ! 

2. To Thee our humble vows we raise, 

To Thee address our prayer ; 
And in thy kind and faithful breast 
Deposit all our care. 

3. Through each perplexing path of life 

Our wand'ring footsteps guide ; 
Give us, each day our daily bread; 
And raiment fit provide. 

4. spread Thy covering wings around, 

'Till all our wanderings cease, 



154 HYMNS. 

And, at our Father^s lov'd abode^ 
Our souls arrive in peace. 

5. To Thee as to our covenant God 
We'll our whole selves resign ; 
And thankful own that all we are, 
And all we have, is Thine. 

13 &t0fi» 0t &litm. L. M. 

1. When I survey the wond'rous cross 

On which the Prince of glory died, 
My richest gain I count but loss, 
And pour contempt on all my pride. 

2. Forbid it, Lord^ that I should boast, 

Save in the death of Christ, my God ; 
All the vain things that charm me most, 
I sacrifice them to His blood. 

8. See from His head. His hands, His feet. 
Sorrow and love flow mingled down ; 
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet ? 
Or thorns compose so rich a crown ? 

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine. 
That were a present far too small; 
Love so amazing, so divine, 

Demands my soul, my life, my all. 

14 §Ml^ ^^mmmtm. C. M. 

1. could I find, from day to day. 
A nearness to my God, 



HYMNS. 155 

Then should my hours glide sweet away, 
And lean upon His word. 

2. Lord, I desire with Thee to live, 

Anew from day to day, 
In joys the world can never give, 
Nor ever take away. 

3. Jesus, come and rule my heart, 

And make me wholly Thine; 
That I may never more depart, 
Nor grieve Thy love divine. 

4. Thus till my last, expiring breath. 

Thy goodness Til adore ; 
And when my flesh dissolves in death, 
My soul shall love Thee more. 

15 ^4f-feBmiMti0tL L. M. 

1. What strange perplexities arise! 
What anxious fears and jealousies! 
What crowds in doubtful light appear ! 
How few, alas, approvM and clear! 

2. And what am I ? My soul^ awake. 
And an impartial survey take; 

Does no" dark sign, no ground of fear, 
In practice or in heart appear? 

3. What image does my spirit bear? 
Is Jesus formed and living there ? 
Say, do His lineaments divine 

In thought, and word, and action shine? 



156 HYMNS. 

4. Searcher of hearts ! oh, search me still : 
The secrets of my soul reveal ; 
My fears remove ; let me appear 
To Grod and mine own conscience clear. 

16 iiligW In «0l , 8s & 7s. 

1. Sweet the moments, rich in blessing. 

Which before the cross I spend; 
Life, and health, and peace possessing, 
From the sinner's dying Friend. 

2. Love, and grief my heart dividing, 

With my tears His feet I'll bathe : 
Constant stilly in faith abiding, 
Life deriving from His death. 

3. Truly blessed is this station — 

Low before His cross Fll lie; 
While I see divine compassion 
Floating in His languid eye. 

4. Here I'll sit — forever viewing 

Mercy streaming in His blood : 
Precious drops, my soul bedewing. 
Plead and claim my peace with God 

IT il0#lt0# 0f fWa. C. M. 

1. Blest are the undefiled in heart. 
Whose ways are right and clean. 
Who never from Thy law depart, 
But fly from evVy sin. 



HYMNS. 157 

2. Blest are the men that keep Thy word. 

And practice Thy commands; 
With their whole heart they seek the Lord, 
And serve Thee with their hands. 

3. Great is their peace who love Thy law; 

How firm their souls abide ! 
Nor can a bold temptation draw 
Their steady feet aside. 

4. Then shall my heart have inward joy 

And keep my face from shame, 
When all Thy statutes T obey, 
And honor all Thy name. 

18 g^ l0bj 1ml. C. M, 

1. Oh for a heart to praise my Grod, 

A heart from sin set free I 
A heart that always feels Thy blood 
So freely spilt for me! 

2. A heart resigned, submissive^ meek, 

My great Redeemer's throne; 
Where only Christ is heard to speak, 
Where Jesus reigns alone. 

3. Oh for a lowly^ contrite heart, 

Believing, true, and clean; 
Which neither life nor death can part 
From Him that dwells within ! 

4. A heart in ev'ry thought renewed. 

And full of love divine; 
14 



158 HYMNS. 

Perfect, and rights and pure, and good, 
A copy, Lord, of Thine ! 

19 gm%0. L. M, 

1. In glad amazement, Lord, I stand 
Amidst the bounties of Thy hand : 
How numberless those bounties are ! 
How rich, how various, and how fair ! 



2. But, 0! what poor returns I make; 
What lifeless thanks I pay Thee back 
Lord, I confess with humble shame, 
My oflF'rings scarce deserve the name I 

3. Fain would my laboring heart devise 
To bring some nobler sacrifice : 

It sinks beneath the mighty load : 
What shall I render to my God ? 

4. To Him I consecrate my praise, 
And vow the remnant of my days : 
Yet what at best can I pretend. 
Worthy such gifts from such a friend. 

5. In deep abasement. Lord, I see 
My emptiness and poverty : 
Enrich my soul with grace divine, 
And make me worthier to be Thine. 

6. Grive me at length an angel's tongue, 
That heav'n may echo with my song : 
The theme, too great for time^ shall be 
The joy of long eternity. 



HYMNS. 159 

20 M^lvntxm. C. M. 

1. Salvation, 0, the joyful sound ! 

^Tis music to our ears ; 
A sov* reign balm for ev^ry wound 
A cordial for our fears. 

2. Buried in sorrow and in sin, 

At heirs dark door we lay; 
But we arise by grace divine, 
To see a heavenly day. 

3 Salvation ! let the echo fly 

The spacious earth around; 
While all the armies of the sky 
Conspire to raise the sound. 

21 &l%t%^f0 ^Ummmt C. M. 

1. Dearest of all the names above, 

My Jesus, and my God. 
Who can resist Thy heavenly love, 
Or trifle with Thy blood ? 

2. 'Tis by the merits of Thy death 

The Father smiles again ; 
'Tis by Thine interceding breathy 
The Spirit dwells with men. 

3. Till God in human flesh I see, ^ 

My thoughts no comfort find ; 
The holy, just and sacred Three 
Are terrors to my mind. 



160 HYMNS. 

4. But if ImmanueFs face appear, 

My hope, my joy, begins; 
His name forbids my slavish fear — 
His grace remoyes my sins. 

5. While Jews on their own law rely, 

And Greeks of wisdom boast, 
I love the incarnate mystery. 
And there I fix my trust. 

22 Stent ' CM. 

1. Joy to the world ! the Lord is come ! 

Let earth receive her King : 
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room. 
And heav'n and nature sing. 

2. Joy to the earth ! the Saviour reigns ! 

Let men their songs employ: 
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains 
Repeat the sounding joy. 

3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, 

Nor thorns infest the ground; 
He comes to make His blessings flow 
Far as the curse is found. 

4. He rules the world with truth and grace, 

And makes the nations prove 
The glories of His righteousness. 
And wonders of His love. 

23 mxt f 0tr^ §m^ l. m. 

1. Sweet is the work, my God, my King! 

To praise Thy name, give thanks and sing; 



HYMNS. 161 

To show Thy love by morning light, 
And talk of all Thy truth at night. 

2. Sweet is the day of sacred rest : 
No mortal care shall fill my breast ; 
My heart shall triumph in the Lord, 
And bless His works, and bless his word. 

3. And I shall share a glorious part. 
When grace hath well refin'd my heart. 
When doubts and fears no more remain 
To break my inward peace again. 

4. Then shall I see, and hear, and know 
All I desir'd or wish'd below; 

And ev'ry pow^r find sweet employ 
In that eternal world of joy. 

24 §.mirti0tj, C, M. 

1. Affliction is a stormy deep. 

Where wave resounds to wave ; 
Though o'er my head the billows roll, 
I know the Lord can save. 

2. The hand that now withholds my joys 

Can reinstate my peace ; 
And He who bade the tempest roar, 
Can bid that tempest cease. 

3. In the dark watches of the night, 

I'll count His mercies o'er ; 
ril praise Him for ten thousand past, 
And humbly sue for more. 

14^ 



162 HYMNS. 

4. When darkness and when sorrows rose 

And press'd on every side, 
The Lord has still sustain'd my steps, 
And still has been my guide. 

5. Here will I rest and build my hopes. 

Nor murmur at His rod; 
He^s more than all the world to me, 
My health, my life, my God. 

25 <S0i«'^ g-wiitMiii^j^* C. M. 

1. And art Thou with us, gracious Lord, 

To dissipate our fear? 
Dost Thou proclaim Thyself our God, 
Oar God forever near ? 

2. Doth Thy right hand which formed the earth, 

And bears up all the skies^ 
Stretch from on high its friendly aid, 
When dangers round us rise ? 

3. And wilt Thou lead our weary souls 

To that delightful scene. 
Where rivers of salvation flow. 
Through pastures ever green ? 

4. On Thy support our souls shall lean. 

And banish ev'ry care; 
The gloomy vale of death shall smile. 
If God be with us there. 

5. While we His gracious succor prove^ 

'Midst all our various ways, 



HYMNS. 163 

The darkest shades through which we pass 
Shall echo with His praise. 

26 P0iitTOg fyx ^m. C. M. 

1. How oft, alas ! this wretched heart 

Has wander'd from the Lord ! 
How oft my roving thoughts depart. 
Forgetful of His word. 

2. Yet sov'reis:!! mercv calls, " Return :'' 

Dear Lord, and may I come ? 
My vile ingratitude I mourn : 
take the wand'rer home. 

3. And canst Thou, wilt Thou yet forgive^ 

And bid my crimes remove ? 
And shall a pardon'd rebel live 
To speak Thy wondrous love ? 

4. Almighty grace. Thy healing pow'r 

How glorious, how divine ! 
That can to bliss and life restore 
So vile a heart as mine. 

5. Thy pardoning love, so free, so sweety 

Dear Saviour, I adore ! 
keep me at Thy sacred feet 
And let me rove no more. 

27 fitMa. 8s, 7s & 4s, 

1. Jesus, Lord, we kneel before Thee, 

Bend from heaven Thy gracious ear ; 



164 HYMNS. 

While our waiting souls adore Thee, 
Friend of helpless sinners hear ! 
By Thy mercy^ 
Oh deliver us, ffood Lord ! 



') to' 



9 



Taught by Thine unerring Spirit, 

Boldly we draw nigh to God, 
Only in Thy spotless merit, 

Only through Thy precious blood 
By Thy mercy, 
Oh deliver us, a'ood Lord ! 



'5 O' 



3. From the depths of nature's blindness, 

From the hardening power of sin, 

From all malice and unkindness, 

From the pride tliat lurks within, 

By Thy mercy. 

Oh deliver us, good Lord ! 

4. When temptation sorely presses. 

In the day of Satan's power, 
In our times of deep distresses, 
In each dark and trying hour, 
By Thy mercy, 
Oh deliver us, good Lord ! 

5. In the weary night of sickness, 

In the throes of grief and pain, 
When we feel our mortal weakness, 
When the creature's help is vain, 
By Thy mercy, 
Oh deliver us, good Lord ! 



HYMNS. 165 

G. In the solemn hour of dying, 
In the awful judgment day, 
May our souls, on Thee relying, 

Find Thee still our Hope and Stay ! 
By Thy mercy^ 
Oh deliver us, good Lord ! 

7. Jesus, may Thy promised blessing 
Comfort to our souls afford ; 
May we now^ Thy love possessing, 
Find at last the great reward ; 
By Thy mercy. 
Oh deliver us, 2;ood Lord ! 

28 llrnvnto'.^' to (5ml 6s & 4s. 

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee! 

Nearer, to Thee ! 
E'en though it be a cross 

That raiseth me; 
Still all my song shall be, 
Nearer, my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee! 

2. Though like a wanderer, 

Weary and lone. 
Darkness comes over me, 

My rest a stone, 
Yet in my dreams I'd be 
Nearer^ my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee I 

3. There let my way appear 

Steps unto heaven ; 



166 HYMNS. 

All that Thou sendest me 

In mercy given ; 
Angels to beckon me 
Nearer^ my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee! 

4. Then, with my waking thoughts 

Bright with Thy praise, 
Out of my stony griefs 

Altars ril raise; 
So by my woes to be 
Nearer, my God, to Thee 

Nearer to Thee ! 

5. And when on joyful wing, 

Cleaving the sky. 
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, 

Upward I fly; 
Still all my song shall be, 
Nearer, my God, to Thee, 

Nearer to Thee ! 

29 ^mi^^ ^mmm* C, M, 

1. With joy we hail the sacred day 

Which God has called His own ; 
With joy the summons we obey. 
To worship at His throne. 

2. Thy chosen temple. Lord, how fair ! 

Where willing votaries throng 
To breathe the humble, fervent prayer. 
And pour the choral song. 



HYMNS. 167 

3. Spirit of grace^ oh deign to dwell 

Within Thy church below; 
Make her in holiness excel, 
With pure devotion glow. 

4. Let peace within her walls be found; 

Let all her sons unite 
To spread with grateful zeal, around, 
Her clear and shining light. 

5. Great God! we hail the sacred day 

Which Thou hast calFd thine own ; 
With joy the summons we obey, 
To worship at Thy throne. 

30 %^\vmt 8s & 7s. 

1. Hark! what mean those holy voices, 

Sweetly sounding through the skies? 
Lo! tV angelic host rejoices; 
Heavenly hallelujahs rise. 

2. Cherubs tell the wondrous story, 

Joyous seraphim reply, 
" Glory in the highest, glory ! 
Glory be to God on high 1 

3. '^ Peace on earth, good will from heaven. 

Reaching far as man is found; 
Souls redeemed^ and sins forgiven ! 
Loud our grateful harps shall sound. 

4. " Christ is born, the great Anointed ; 

Heaven and earth His praises sing ! 



168 HYMNS. 

receive whom God appointed 

For your Propliet, Priest, and King ! 

5. ^'Hasten; mortals, to adore Him; 
Learn his name to magnify, 
Till in heaven ye sing before him 
Glory be to God most high/' 

1. Come, Holy Spirit, come. 

Let Thy bright beams arise ; 

Dispel the sorrow from our minds, 

The darkness from our eyes. 

2. Convince us of our sin; 

Then lead to Jesus' blood. 
And to our wond'ring view reveal 
The mercies of our God. 

3. Revive our drooping faith. 

Our doubts and fears remove. 
And kindle in our breasts the flame 
Of never-d^ing love. 

4. 'Tis Thine to cleanse the heart, 

To sanctify the soul. 
To pour fresh life in ev'ry part, 
And new create the whole. 

5. Come^ Holy Spirit, come. 

Our minds from bondage free; 
Then shall we know, and praise, and love, 
The Father^ Son, and Thee. 



nYMxs. 169 

82 ^xn\\a in JvouDlr. C. M, 

1. Thou, from wliom all aoodness flows, 

I lift my soul to Thee ; 
In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes, 
Lord, remember me ! 

2. If on my head for Thy dear name. 

Shame and reproaches be. 
All hail reproach, and welcome shame, 
If Thou remember me. 

3. If worn with pain, disease, and grief. 

This feeble body be ; 
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief: 

Lord^ remember me I 

-i. When, in the solemn hour of death. 

1 wait Thy jtist decree. 

Be this the pray'r of my last breath : 
O Lord, remember me I 

5. And. when before Thy throne I stand. 
And lift my soul to Thee. 
There, with the saints at Thy right hand, 

Lord, remember me I 

33 %ou U 6o4. C. M. 

1. My God, I love Thee ! not because 

1 hope for heaven thereby : 
Nor yet because, if I love not, 

I must forever die. 

15 



170 HYMNS. 

2. But, my Jesus, Thou didst me 

Upon the cross embrace : 
For me didst bear the nails and spear 
And manifold disgrace ; 

3. And griefs and torments numberless; 

And sweat of agony, 
E'en death itself; and all for one 
Who was Thine enemy. 

4. Then why, blessed Jesus Christ ! 

Should I not love Thee well ; 
Not for the sake of winning heaven, 
Or of escaping hell; 

5. Not with the hope of gaining aught ; 

Not seeking a reward ; 
But as Thyself hast loved me 
ever loving Lord ! 

6. E'en so I love Thee^ and will love, 

And in Thy praise will sing ; 
Solely because Thou art my God, 
And my eternal King. 

1. Jesus! the very thought of Thee 

With sweetness fills my breast : 
But sweeter far Thy face to see. 
And in Thy presence rest. 

2. Nor voice can sing^ nor heart can frame, 

Nor can the mem'ry find 



HYMNS. 171 

A sweeter sound than Thy blest name, 
Saviour of mankind ! 

3. hope of every contrite heart, 

joy of all the meek ! 
To those who fall^ how kind Thou art. 
How good to those who seek ! 

4. But what to those who find ! ah, this 

Nor tongue nor pen can show : 
The love of Jesus, what it is^ 
None but His loved-ones know. 

5. Jesus^ our only joy be thou ! 

As thou our prize wilt be; 
Jesus, be thou our Grlory now, 
And through eternity ! 

1. Father, whatever of earthly bliss 

Thy sovereign will denies, 
Accepted at Thy throne, let this, 
My humble prayer arise : 

2. Grive me a calm and thankful heart, 

From ev'ry murmur free ; 
The blessings of Thy grace impart, 
And make me live to Thee. 

3. Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine. 

My life and death attend ; 
Thy presence through my journey shine; 
And crown my journey's end. 



172 HYMNS. 

36 ~ ®m^t in Mmw. 7s & 6s, 

1. I lay my sins on Jesus, 

The spotless Lamb of Grod ; 
He bears tbem all, and frees us 

From the accursed load. 
I bring my guilt to Jesus, 

To wash my crimson stains 
White, in His blood most precious^ 

Till not a spot remains. 

2. I lay my wants on Jesus; 

All fulness dwells in Him : 
He heals all my diseases, 

He doth my soul redeem. 
I lay my griefs on Jesus, 

My burdens and my cares ; 
He from them all releases. 

He all my sorrows shares. 

3. I rest my soul on Jesus, 

This weary soul of mine ; 
His right hand me embraces^ 

I on His breast recline. 
I love the name of Jesus^ 

Immanuel; Christ the Lord ; 
Like fragrance on the breezes. 

His name abroad is pour'd. 

4. I long to be like Jesus, 

Meek^ loving, lowly^ mild : 
I long to be like Jesus, 
The Father's holy child. 



HYMNS. 173 

I long to be with Jesus, 

Amid the heavenly throng, 
To sing with saints His praises, 

To learn the angels' song. 

37 §mlxj itma^et*. C, M, 

1. My God, accept my heart this day, 

And make it always Thine, 
That I from Thee no more may stray, 
No more from Thee decline. 

2. Before the cross of Him who died, 

Behold, I prostrate fall; 
Let ev'ry sin be crucified, 
Let Christ be all in all. 

3. Anoint me with Thy heavenly grace, 

Adopt me for Thine own. 
That I may see Thy glorious face, 
And worship at Thy throne. 

4. May the dear blood once shed for me, 

My blest atonement prove ; 

That I from first to last may be 

The purchase of Thy love. 

5. Let ev'ry thought, and work, and word, 

To Thee be ever giv'n; 
Then life shall be Thy service, Lord, 
And death the gate of heav'n. 

38 gnmfmvimL L. M. 

1. Just as I am, without one plea, 

Save that Thy blood was shed for me, 
15* 



174 HYMNS. 

And tliat Thou bidst me come to Thee, 
Lamb of Grod, I come I I come ! 

2. Just as I am, and waiting not 
To rid my soul of one dark blot, 

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
Lamb of God, I come I I come ! 

3. Just as I am, though toss'd about 
With many a conflict, many a doubf", 
With fears within, and foes without, 
Lamb of God, I come ! I come ! 

4. Just as I am — Thou wilt receive^ 
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. 
Because Thy promise I believe, 

Lamb of God, I come ! I come ! 

5. Just as I am — Thy love unknown. 
Hast broken ev^ry barrier down ; 
Now to be Thine, yea. Thine alone, 
Lamb of God, I come ! I come! 

39 S0^0l0ga. 8s & 7s. 

1. May the grace of Christ, our Saviour, 

And the Father's boundless love, 
With the Holy Spirit's favor 
Rest upon us from above. 

2. Thus may we abide in union 

With each other and the Lord, 

And possess in sweet communion, 

Joys which earth cannot afford. 



HYMNS. 175 

40 S^ton&^gunng. L. M. 

1. From all that dwell below the skies, 
Let the Creator's praise arise; 

Let the Redeemer's name be sung, 
Through every land, by every tongue. 

2. Eternal are Thy mercies^ Lord ; 
Eternal truth attends Thy word ; 

Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, 
Till suns shall rise and set no more. 

41 ^mtiUm- L- M. 

Praise God from whom all blessing flow^ 
Praise Him all creatures here below; 
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; 
Praise Father, Son^ and Holy Ghost. 



INDEX TO THE PRAYERS, 



PAGE. 

Advent Collects and Prayers 58 — 65 

Ascension, Christ's , 95 

Beginning of the Year, For the 73 

Blessings, For bodily and spiritual 128 

Blessing on our business, For a 131 

Bodily and spiritual blessings, For 128 

Business, For a blessing upon 131 

Child's Morning Prayer 113 

Child's Evening Prayer , 143 

Children, For our 114 

Children of the Church, For the 117 

Christ's death, A Prayer in remembrance of 91-92 

Christ's Ascension 95 

Christmas Prayers and Collects 65-71 

Church, For God's Holy 106-107 

Collects, Advent 58-65 

Collects, Christmas 65-71 

Collects, Easter.. 94 

Collects, Epiphany..... 78-82 

Collects, Lent 82-86 

Collects, New Year 71-73 

Collects, Whitsuntide 100-102 

Collects, Trinity 103-106 

Communion, For the Holy..... 97-100 

Country, For the 125 

Confession of Sin « .,. 16-17 

Dying, A Litany for the 56 

Easter Prayers and Collects, ., < 94 

Epiphany Prayers and Collects , ,,.. 78-82 

179 



INDEX. 177 



Evening Prayers 132-135,137-141 

Evening Prayer, Child's 143 

Evening Prayer, Luther's 135 

Evening Sentence 142 

Faith, For 120 

Faith and a Godly Life, For , 123 

Family, Prayer for the 29 

Family, Intercession for the 32 

Family, For Peace in the 118 

Forgiveness of Sin, For 142 

General Intercession 41 

General Prayer 36 

Gentleness, For 124 

Gethsemane, 'Jesus in 87 

Godly Life, For Faith and a 123 

Grace at Meat 143-144 

Grace, for Perseverance in .122 

Heathen, For the 112 

Help in Trouble, For 120 

Holiness, For c 122 

Intercession 45 

Intercession for the Family 32 

Intercession, General 41 

Jesus before Pilate 88 

Jesus in Gethsemane 87 

Jesus on the Cross 89 

Jesus, The Name of 76 

Lent Prayers and Collects 82-86 

Life, Prayer for a Godly 123 

Litany, The 24 

Litany for the Dying, A 56 

Lord's Prayer, The 21 

Luther's Morning Prayer 23 

uther's Evening Prayer 135 



178 INDEX. 

Meekness^ For 123 

Missionaries, For 111 

Morning Prayer :.... 23, 31, 53 

Morning Prayer, Child's 143 

Morning Prayer, Luther's 23 

Mortality, In time of great Sickness and 127 

Name of Jesus, The 76 

New Year Collects and Prayers 71-73 

Night, For Preservation during the 136 

Pastors of the Church, For 108-109 

Pastor, For our 110 

Peace, For 119 

People, For the 125 

Perseverance in Grace, For 122 

Preservation during the Night, For 136 

Rulers, For 113 

Sick Person, For a 129 

Sickness and Mortality, In time of great 127 

Spiritual Blessings, For bodily and 128 

Thanksgiving 49 

Trinity Prayers and Collects 103-106 

Trouble, For Help in 120 

Trouble, In time of 128 

Weather, For Favorable 131 

Whitsuntide Prayers and Collects. 100-102 



INDEX TO HYMNS, 



PAGE. 

Awake, my soul, and with the sun 146 

Arise, my soul, with rapture rise 146 

Affliction is a stormy deep 161 

And art Thou with us, gracious Lord 162 

Blest are the undefiled in heart 156 

^Come, Holy Spirit, come 168 

Dread Sovereign, let my evening song 149 

Dearest of all the names above 159 

Father, whate'er of earthly bliss 171 

From all that dwell below the skies 175 

Grloria in Excelsis 145 

Grlory to thee, my Grod, this night 148 

How oft, alas! this wretched heart 163 

Hark! what mean those holy voices 167 

In sleep's serene oblivion laid 148 

In glad amazement. Lord, I stand 158 

I lay my sins on Jesus 172 

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear us 152 

Joy to the world! the Lord is come 160 

Jesus, Lord, we kneel before Thee 163 

Jesus, the very thought of Thee 170 

Just as I am, without one plea 173 

Lord, Thou wilt hear me when I pray... 150 

My God, I love Thee 1 not because 169 

176 



180 INDEX. 

My God, accept my heart this day 173 

May the grace of Christ, our Saviour 174 

Nearer, my God, to Thee 165 

0, that the Lord would guide my ways , 152 

0, God of Jacob, by whose hand , 153 

could I find, from day to day 154 

Oh for a heart to praise my God 157 

Thou, from whom all goodness flows 169 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow 175 

See how the rising sun 147 

Saviour, breathe an evening blessing 151 

Sweet the moments, rich in blessing 156 

Salvation, 0, the joyful sound 159 

Sweet is the work, my God, my King 160 

Thus far the Lord hath led me on 151 

When I survey the wond'rous cross 154 

What strange perplexities arise 155 

With joy we hail the sacred day 166 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: August 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



